Lisa Hass, a farmer in Vernon County, highlights the dilemma facing small dairies: "We've got a mixture of Holsteins, Jersey crosses... storm clouds are gathering above these colorful farms, under threat of going big or going out of business." Her words underscore the existential crisis in farming today, as the industry grapples with the decision between expanding into larger operations or risking extinction. The pressures and challenges are palpable in rural Wisconsin.
Jeff Frank, CEO of Organic Valley, explains the interconnectedness of farming and community health: "When the family farms fail, the main street businesses start to fail, the school systems start to fail. There’s a direct tie (from farming) to the health of rural communities." This insight highlights the importance of sustaining small, family-oriented farms not just for agricultural viability but to preserve the very fabric of rural life.
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