When our farmers thrive, rural Wisconsin thrives.
Family farms are the backbone of our district.

They feed our neighbors, power our economy, and carry on generations of hard work and tradition.

The Problem

For generations, family farms have been the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy and identity. But today, too many are disappearing.
Low commodity prices, rising input costs, and corporate consolidation have made it nearly impossible for small and mid-sized farms to compete. Every year, more barns sit empty, and more local processors close their doors — taking entire rural economies down with them.

At the same time, rural infrastructure is crumbling. Broadband gaps, underfunded roads, and limited access to healthcare and childcare make it harder for families to stay and younger generations to take over the farm.
When the Legislature prioritizes massive out-of-state agribusinesses over local producers, rural communities lose twice — first in the marketplace, and again when tax dollars don’t come back home.

For all the talk about “supporting farmers,” too few state leaders actually listen to them.

What I’ll Do

Strengthen local and family farms by expanding state-level grants and technical assistance for small and mid-sized producers — especially those adding value through local processing, cooperatives, and sustainable practices.

1. Support farm-to-school and farm-to-community programs that connect Wisconsin farmers directly with local schools, hospitals, and institutions, keeping dollars in our communities.

2. Protect access to local meat and dairy processing by investing in regional facilities and workforce training through technical colleges.

3. Expand rural infrastructure — from broadband to roads to clean water systems — so farmers and small-town businesses can compete on a level playing field.

4. Preserve working lands and protect our environment through conservation partnerships that help farmers adopt soil health, runoff prevention, and renewable energy practices without losing profitability.

5. Promote fair markets by enforcing anti-monopoly laws and ensuring transparent pricing and contracts for farmers and producers.

Why It Matters

When we talk about “rural Wisconsin,” we’re not just talking about geography — we’re talking about community. We’re talking about the volunteer firefighters, the school bus drivers, the co-op employees, and the families who gather in church basements and town halls.

When farms fail, rural schools shrink, Main Streets go quiet, and the heart of Wisconsin weakens. But when farms thrive, everything around them thrives too. The diner fills up again. The high school keeps its FFA program. The local feed mill stays open. That’s what real rural stability looks like. It’s worth fighting for.

We can honor Wisconsin’s farming heritage not with slogans, but with policies that keep people on their land, protect natural resources, and make it possible for the next generation to build a future here.

Because when we invest in rural Wisconsin, we invest in who we are.