Wisconsin Farmer Warns of Agriculture Challenges Under New Administration
Source: DairyNews.today
Lincoln County dairy farmer Hans Breitenmoser has expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of the new U.S. administration on agriculture and rural communities, labeling the election results a "disaster" for Wisconsin’s farming sector.
Breitenmoser, a prominent advocate for rural issues, highlighted labor shortages and the return of tariffs as critical threats during an interview with Todd Allbaugh on UpNorthNews Radio.
Labor Concerns Threaten Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry
Breitenmoser emphasized the essential role immigrant labor plays in Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, particularly in the dairy and meat industries.
“Restrictive immigration policies could cripple our farms,” he said. “Many of our workers, both documented and undocumented, come from outside the U.S. Without them, Wisconsin agriculture simply can’t function.”
Breitenmoser operates a dairy farm in Lincoln County, a family business his parents started after immigrating from Switzerland in 1968. He underscored the vital contribution of immigrant workers to sustaining local agricultural operations.
“This economy doesn’t work without these people. Without them, we’re at a full stop,” he said.
Tariffs Could Resurface, Impacting Wisconsin Exports
The farmer also expressed concern over the potential reintroduction of tariffs under the new administration, citing the damaging effects on Wisconsin exports during previous trade disputes.
“Tariffs often lead to retaliation against U.S. agricultural products like cheese, soybeans, and ginseng,” Breitenmoser warned. “The last round of tariffs devastated ginseng producers here in Wisconsin, and there’s no reason to believe it will be different this time.”
Calls for Awareness and Action
Breitenmoser criticized policymakers for underestimating the challenges facing rural America and called on both voters and legislators to address the economic realities of the agricultural sector.
“People have been misled, and now they’re about to see the consequences,” he said. “I urge my fellow farmers and rural communities to brace for a tough road ahead.”
Despite his frustration, Breitenmoser remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for policies that support Wisconsin’s agricultural industry in the face of mounting challenges.
Labor Concerns Threaten Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry
Breitenmoser emphasized the essential role immigrant labor plays in Wisconsin’s agricultural economy, particularly in the dairy and meat industries.
“Restrictive immigration policies could cripple our farms,” he said. “Many of our workers, both documented and undocumented, come from outside the U.S. Without them, Wisconsin agriculture simply can’t function.”
Breitenmoser operates a dairy farm in Lincoln County, a family business his parents started after immigrating from Switzerland in 1968. He underscored the vital contribution of immigrant workers to sustaining local agricultural operations.
“This economy doesn’t work without these people. Without them, we’re at a full stop,” he said.
Tariffs Could Resurface, Impacting Wisconsin Exports
The farmer also expressed concern over the potential reintroduction of tariffs under the new administration, citing the damaging effects on Wisconsin exports during previous trade disputes.
“Tariffs often lead to retaliation against U.S. agricultural products like cheese, soybeans, and ginseng,” Breitenmoser warned. “The last round of tariffs devastated ginseng producers here in Wisconsin, and there’s no reason to believe it will be different this time.”
Calls for Awareness and Action
Breitenmoser criticized policymakers for underestimating the challenges facing rural America and called on both voters and legislators to address the economic realities of the agricultural sector.
“People have been misled, and now they’re about to see the consequences,” he said. “I urge my fellow farmers and rural communities to brace for a tough road ahead.”
Despite his frustration, Breitenmoser remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for policies that support Wisconsin’s agricultural industry in the face of mounting challenges.
