Wisconsin Farm Center
Farm Center Contact Handout
2811 Agriculture Dr.
P.O. Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
Phone: 1-800-942-2474
Fax: (608) 224-5107
Program Supervisor
Dan Bauer
Phone: (608) 400-9474
Email: daniel.bauer@wisconsin.gov
Raised on a dairy in central Wisconsin, Dan earned his bachelor's degree in dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He spent just under 15 years working for several different global dairy organizations with responsibilities including strategic planning and project management. Dan now leads the Farm Center as program supervisor. He is passionate about helping his team and its farmer clients achieve objectives through communicating effectively and developing action plans.
Learn more about Dan at: https://youtu.be/6Q9KtYhaKh8
Financial Consulting & Farm Transition Specialist
Mike Lochner
Phone: (608) 280-1296
Email: michael.lochner@wisconsin.gov
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1979, Mike spent the first 15 years of his professional career in the agronomy industry. He then went on to work for more than 20 years in agriculture lending with three different financial organizations. For the past 6+ years, Mike has enjoyed being able to use his vast experience in agriculture finance to provide services through the Farm Center where he delivers financial consulting and transition planning advice to Wisconsin farmers.
Financial Consulting & Farm Transition Specialist
Kevin Plante
Phone: (608) 327-9814
Email: kevin.plante@wisconsin.gov
Kevin Plante graduated from the University of Minnesota with bachelor's and master's degree in agricultural education. After graduating, he went on to work in education for 20 years. Prior to joining the Farm Center in 2019, Kevin also assisted farmers while working at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. His current work includes managing the Farm Mediation and Arbitration Program, and coaching farms on financial management and developing transition plans.
Learn more about Kevin at: https://youtu.be/6wMRkiO0CnM
Financial Consulting & Farm Transition Specialist
Mark Schmitz, J.D.
Phone: (608) 590-5287
Email: mark.schmitz@wisconsin.gov
Born and raised on his family’s dairy farm in southwest Wisconsin, Mark Schmitz attended UW-Stevens Point and later graduated from the UW-Madison Law School. Prior to joining the Farm Center, he practiced law and helped manage and operate his family’s farm, eventually assisting them successfully transition from dairy farming to retirement. Mark’s on-the-ground experience, coupled with his educational and professional background, allows him to have a unique perspective on financial and transition planning and functional knowledge of the tools available to develop and implement effective plans.
Learn more about Mark at: https://youtu.be/3h3n7OrMs0M
Farmer Wellness Program Coordinator
Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the UW-Madison and went on to work in marketing, communications, and public relations. As part of the Farm Center team, Karen uses her expertise in agriculture and wellness to coordinate programs that help farmers improve their mental health. Outside of work, Karen enjoys coaching, fitness, and raising her three daughters. Her husband Randy owns and operates a dairy farm with his brothers and their families.
Learn more about Karen at: https://youtu.be/XwCkLpfVdB8