Rep. Van Orden holds talks with frustrated Portage Co. farmers
“We’re very concerned about the weather-based energy that’s coming through our area is driving up our land prices and it’s really changing the way our industry is being done,” Trine Spindler said.
Credit: By Brianna Weaver ° Published: Jan. 10, 2025 · www.wsaw.com ~~
Stevens Point, Wis. (WSAW) – Farms bring food from the field to your table. While they may not do so directly, they keep you fed every day. However, local farmers in Portage County are frustrated by how they’re treated.
A meeting on Friday gave some of those farmers a chance to talk with Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) about the issues they’re facing.
Whether you pick up beef, milk, fruits, or veggies at the store, you’re buying from a local farm. What happens if those farms lack funding and aid though? They can’t provide for us anymore.
As of Jan. 3, the Farm Bill passed back in 2018 by former President Donald Trump has now been extended by one year. Over the years and as a new administration took over though, things have changed.
“The input costs are terrible and there’s two other things; input costs, it’s labor, and regulation. Those are the three things that are the issues that I hear from our farmers most,” Van Orden said.
This bill covers programs and policies for agriculture, conservation, trade, and more. Van Orden says if something hadn’t changed by Jan. 1, the dairy industry could have changed drastically.
“I started banging this drum four months ago and for some reason, I was the only member of Congress saying, ‘Why are we not focusing on getting this done?’ We will destroy the American agriculture industry if we don’t, at a minimum, extend the farm bill,” Van Orden said.
While Friday’s meeting hosted many who asked their fair share of questions, one dairy farmer had a long list regarding how Congress can make improvements.
“We’re very concerned about the weather-based energy that’s coming through our area is driving up our land prices and it’s really changing the way our industry is being done,” Trine Spindler said.
Spindler is referencing the large wind turbines. While many view them as clean energy, she sees that as hindering the farm’s work.
“It doesn’t change the fact that the people that are living out here, they don’t want these developments to come through,” she said. “As we told them, like we’re the ones that elect you guys, you know, you should listen to the people that are out here.”
Spindler says if you’re a local farmer and have your own concerns, you should get involved with your county board and attend meetings similar to Friday’s.
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