Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
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.
Farmers and small agribusiness owners can reach the Farm Center through the toll-free number at 1-800-942-2474, or stop in on the Fourth Floor of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection office building at 2811 Agriculture Dr., Madison. Office hours and the toll free are available from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. Resources are free and confidential for Wisconsin farmers. Farmers can receive counseling vouchers to meet with a counselor in their area. You can also contact the Farm Center by email at farmcenter@wisconsin.gov
The Farm Center can now connect callers to a 24/7 Farmer Wellness Hotline. The hotline can be reached at 1-888-901-2558. Licensed mental health professionals contracted by the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will provide immediate, in-the-moment care.
Unexpected Tomorrow Workshops
Hosted by DATCP’s Farm Center, the ‘Unexpected Tomorrows’ workshops are designed to help Wisconsin farmers deal with increased stress, depression and family issues brought on by prolonged downturn in the farming economy. For more information and date, please contact the Farm Center at 1-800-942-2474.
Farm Couples Weekends
Tough economic times in the agricultural sector can take a toll on farm couples, with increased stress associated with financial challenges often leading to difficulties communicating and making effective decisions.
To help Wisconsin farm couples learn about stress management techniques, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension are hosting a series of Farm Couples Weekend Workshops throughout the year. Click the link to learn more https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/farmstress/farmcouples/
Core Programs
- Financial Planning
- Farm Succession
- Conflict Mediation
- Herd Based Diagnostics
- Farm Outreach
- Organics, Grazing and Specialty Crops
- Counseling
Farmer Angel Network
The Farmer Angel Network is a collaboration of Sauk County Public Health, Sauk County UWEX, Project Recovery, local churches, and concerned farmers whose goal is to support area farmers through a time of depressed farm income, challenging cropping season and the highest rate of farm bankruptcies and exits since 1930’s. Mental Health awareness and support resources are the key focus of this effort.
Early in 2019, a series of 3 Farm Stress & Suicide Awareness programs were held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Loganville, as an effort to address immediate needs of local farmers and agribusiness personnel.
The Farmer Angel Network has since been formed to continue to support area farmers and educate the public about the issues farmers are facing. Check out the Farmers Angel Network Facebook page to learn more.
Great Rivers 2-1-1
At different points in our lives, we can all use a little help—whether it’s parenting concerns, putting food on the table, dealing with an abusive situation, or just making ends meet. But we don’t always know when—or where—to ask for that help. Great Rivers 2-1-1 is a place to make the connections that can help you find answers and prevent problems from getting more serious. Using a comprehensive resource database, 2-1-1 Information and referral specialists will listen to your concerns, help you make informed decisions and link you to the most appropriate community resources.
Service Area
Great Rivers 2-1-1 serves 21 counties in Southwest Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa.
- Wisconsin: Buffalo, Chippewa, Crawford, Dunn, Eau Claire, Grant, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Richland, Trempealeau and Vernon counties
- Minnesota: Houston, Fillmore and Winona counties
- Iowa: Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties
Great Rivers 2-1-1 also operates three Public Health Hotlines for the state of Wisconsin. These hotlines provide information regarding public benefits and other resources for women, children, and families of children with special needs statewide.