Wisconsin Farmers Union president Darin Von Ruden joins in studio to discuss how farmers are being affected by federal cuts and tariffs, the push for potential bailout funding, and how the state had to step in after farmers had already invested in crops and livestock for local farm-to-table programs.

Some of these dilemmas are interconnected. China has retaliated against U.S. tariffs by not buying our soybeans, while the Trump administration has sent $20 billion to bail out Argentina. Meanwhile, Argentina is now selling its soybeans to China. The tariffs have also raised produce prices in the U.S., so taxpayers are effectively bailing out farmers to offset those self-inflicted higher costs.

Von Ruden also addresses federal funding cuts affecting farm-to-community programs, which connect local growers with schools and institutions within 30 miles. The Wisconsin state government stepped in with $10 million in its most recent budget, avoiding a disaster in which farmers had already purchased resources and made growing plans, only to find the funding gone — leaving crops and food potentially with nowhere to go.

We also discuss the ongoing loss of small family farms, as corporate operations expand and younger generations face nearly impossible challenges keeping a farming lifestyle alive.

Wisconsin Farmers Union president Darin Von Ruden joins in studio to discuss how farmers are being affected by federal cuts and tariffs, the push for potential bailout funding, and how the state had to step in after farmers had already invested in crops and livestock for local farm-to-table programs.
Some of these dilemmas are interconnected. China has retaliated against U.S. tariffs by not buying our soybeans, while the Trump administration has sent $20 billion to bail out Argentina. Meanwhile, Argentina is now selling its soybeans to China. The tariffs have also raised produce prices in the U.S., so taxpayers are effectively bailing out farmers to offset those self-inflicted higher costs.
Von Ruden also addresses federal funding cuts affecting farm-to-community programs, which connect local growers with schools and institutions within 30 miles. The Wisconsin state government stepped in with $10 million in its most recent budget, avoiding a disaster in which farmers had already purchased resources and made growing plans, only to find the funding gone &mdash; leaving crops and food potentially with nowhere to go.
We also discuss the ongoing loss of small family farms, as corporate operations expand and younger generations face nearly impossible challenges keeping a farming lifestyle alive.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.