Family Farms

Our farmers need our support. Over the past 40 years we have seen a huge change in our family farms. The average age of farmers is increasing and the average size of farms is increasing. And yet, it is harder and harder to make ends meet. Many of our district's farmers are relying on off-farm income to make ends meet.

Wisconsin must help family farmers stay competitive in an ever changing landscape. I authored the Farming Forward bill which would help with succession planning. Farming is an expensive profession to enter. This bill would provide an incentive for an existing farmer to sell assets to a beginning farmer. I also authored legislation to protect a farmer's right to repair their own equipment, and another bill to provide grants to farmers growing food for food pantries. I also coauthored bills to support the work our farmers are doing. These bills would increase grants to farmer-led watershed protection groups and create grants for rotational grazing programs.

As the ranking member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, I am highlighting the issues facing our farmers and collaborating with farmers to find workable solutions.