About the Farm Center
The Wisconsin Farm Center provides information and support to farmers and their families in order to help grow Wisconsin’s agricultural economy. The Center partners with industry groups, government and educational entities, and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
Core programs and services
Financial Planning: With decades of financial planning experience in the
agriculture sector, Wisconsin Farm Center staff provide farmers
with financial and business consultation including cash flow analysis, farm
viability, debt analysis, business plan development and farm succession
planning.
Mediation and Arbitration: The mediation and arbitration program allows for a
neutral individual to help facilitate understanding between
conflicting parties in a farm-related dispute. Mediation services are available
to help in a wide array of areas including credit issues,
environmental concerns, and farm family conflicts.
Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Program: Given the challenging nature of farming, the Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Program provides three different options to help farmers cope with the stresses of farming.
- 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Hotline (1-888-901-2558): This hotline is available any time, any day to provide support farmers that are struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, or anxiety or just need a welcoming ear to talk to.
- Farmer Wellness Tele-Counseling Sessions: Farmers and/or their family members can obtain free, confidential and unlimited counseling sessions by a licensed mental health professional for ongoing support by request. These session are completed over the phone or online via a web conferencing platform.
- Counseling Voucher Program: This program provides farmers and/or their family members with vouchers by request that allow them to obtain free, confidential, in-person counseling services with participating mental health providers in their area.
Veteran Farmer
Assistance and Outreach Program: Through this program,
Wisconsin military veterans interested in learning about how to become involved in
farming and agriculture can access resources, market development, branding and
technical expertise. Program members can also utilize a special logo for their
agricultural products.
Herd-based Diagnostic Program: This program provides veterinary diagnostic support to help address herd-health and production concerns. The program, available to Wisconsin dairy herds of all sizes and management types, addresses production, milk quality, cow loss, and other concerns.
'Rural Realities' Podcast
'Rural Realities' provides information and resources related to stress and challenges facing farmers and farm families. One of its main purposes of the series is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in rural communities.
Click here to listen
Podcast 1: “Breaking the Stigma of Farmer Mental Health," Renee Sutkay, Journey Mental Health
Podcast 2: "Your Brain on Stress," John Shutske, UW Madison-Division of Extension.
Podcast 3: Navigating Change When the World has Changed," Dianne Viehuber, author and pastor.
Podcast 4: "Discuss the Undiscussable," Elaine Froese, farm transition specialist
Podcast 5: "Farm Financials: When to Reach Out for Help," Paul Dietmann, Compeer Financial
'Question, Pursuade, Refer' Virtual Training Sessions
The Wisconsin Farm Center is hosting a series of
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) virtual training sessions for agriculture
service providers, farmers, and the agricultural community. QPR is an
intervention method designed to help trainees identify
and interrupt mental health crisis situations and direct individuals to proper care.
Farming is a complex
occupation that comes with a unique set of challenges and stressors. While
famers are resilient by nature, sometimes the stress of farming can weigh
heavily and they may develop anxiety, depression or even suicidal
thoughts. Often times, the first person they share these concerns with are
trusted friends or people that they see regularly on the farm such as ag
business representatives, consultants, services providers and other farmers.
Dates, times and registration links:
Wednesday, July 29 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) - https://datcp-virtualqprtraining-july29.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, August 11 (2:00-4:00 p.m.) - https://datcp-virtualqprtraining-aug11.eventbrite.com
Thursday, August 27 (3:00-5:00 p.m.) - https://datcp-virtualqprtraining-aug27.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, September 9 (2:00-4:00 p.m.) - https://datcp-virtualqprtraining-sept9.eventbrite.com
Monday, September 21 (7:30-9:30 p.m.) - https://datcp-virtualqprtraining-sept21.eventbrite.com
Thursday, October 1 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) - https://datcp-virtualqprtraining-oct1.eventbrite.com
