FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 26, 2009
With Wisconsin farmers facing a serious downturn in the dairy and livestock industries, Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and Rep. Mark Radcliffe (D-Black River Falls) encouraged the public to attend recently announced briefings by Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA). Information about FSA loans and financial services will be offered at briefings held throughout the area.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t hear from a farmer who is struggling to make ends meet,” said Sen. Vinehout, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education. “In the long term, commodity prices must cover the cost of production. In the short term, many farmers can use an operating loan to cover losses so they can keep their farms while they ride out the storm.”
Wisconsin Farm Service Agency makes long term loans at low, fixed interest rates. FSA also offers loan guarantees to private lenders when there is a collateral, equity or repayment gap. Access to credit is a major challenge farmer’s face.
“The Wisconsin livestock industry has been hit hard by many things, including low prices,” said Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin FSA Executive Director. “Compound this with global economic problems, and we’ve seen credit to farmers virtually dry-up this fall.”
Briefings will be held though out Wisconsin during the first two weeks of November. Anyone with an interest in agriculture is invited to attend to learn about FSA loans and financial services.
“Farmers and their success is the key to a strong and vibrant economy in our state” said Rep. Mark Radcliffe, Vice-Chair of the Assemble Committee on Agriculture. “Unfortunately with high input costs and extremely low commodity prices, many farmers are being pushed to the breaking point. I encourage farmers to attend this meeting to learn and understand what their options are for FSA loans and financial services.”
Information on meetings around the 92nd Assembly District:
Bangor Nov. 9 1:30 PM Village Inn 1601 Bangor St
Black River Falls Nov. 4 1:00 PM Jackson Electric Cooperative N6868 County Road F
Mauston Nov. 10 10:00 AM Park Oasis State Road 82 East
Sparta Nov. 9 10:00 AM The Colonial 1415 W Wisconsin Ave
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