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Wisconsin’s ag secretary wants sustainable funding for farmer mental health programs

Wisconsin’s ag secretary says farmer mental health programs deserve a long-term sustainable funding source. 

Randy Romanski says sustainable funding is needed, “so that we can continue on with the programming that’s clearly needed in good times and in bad.”

Romanski says they had 23 of the 30 issued mental health vouchers redeemed in January, which is the highest number of farmers seeking mental health help since last February.  “These numbers are indicative of the ongoing need for investments in farmer mental health. The Farm Center’s efforts to meet farmers where they are and the willingness of farmers to utilize DATCP as a resource when they need help the most.”

And, Romanski says the need for farmer mental health services continues to grow. “Even though we’ve seen the prices that farmers are receiving increase and, you know, economists are saying that they’re optimistic about the financial footing of agriculture as we are entering 2022, farmers continue to face high-stress levels.”

Romanski says the Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Farm Center have built more impactful and effective relationships with mental health providers and community partners, and Governor Tony Evers has proposed funding additional mental health assistance to veterans and students.

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