University of Wisconsin - Extension

Madison – Wisconsin dairy farm families are feeling the impact of the U.S. dairy industry being hit hard by events in the global economy. Low milk prices are causing a ripple effect on agribusinesses and communities statewide. As a result, many dairy owners, families and businesses in rural communities may be facing a financial crisis.

University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Farm Center – WDATCP invite dairy producers, lenders and community leaders to an informational meeting addressing several timely issues. Participants will learn about the national and global influences affecting dairy markets, financial and legal options available to producers, preparing for negotiations with lenders and creditors, decision-making and communication strategies, and tax strategies for producers during tough financial times.

Workshop topics include:

• An overview of recent national and global influences on the dairy markets

• Strategies for negotiating through difficult situations

• How stress affects decision-making and communications, and tools to help during stressful times

• Dairy finances 101: Communicating your position to your lender – the importance of financial reports

• Legal options and tax strategies to consider during difficult financial times.

Nine workshops will be held throughout Wisconsin from mid November through mid December:

• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1 – 4 p.m., Augustana Lutheran Church, 1025 2nd Ave., Cumberland, contact Polk County UW-Extension at 715-485-8600 or Spooner Ag Research Station at 715-635-3506 or Barron County UW-Extension, 715-537-6250

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., KD’s Homestead Eatery, Mondovi, contact Pepin County UW-Extension at 715-672-5214 or Trempealeau County UW-Extension at 715-538-2311 or Buffalo County UW-Extension at 608-685-6256

• Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 – 4 p.m., Black River Chamber of Commerce, 120 N. Water St., Black River Falls, contact Jackson County UW-Extension at 715-284-4257

• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1 – 4 p.m., Arlington Research Station, Arlington, contact Sauk County UW-Extension at 608-355-3250 or Columbia County UW-Extension at 608-742-9680

• Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., Jefferson Co. UW-Extension Office, 864 Collins Rd., Jefferson, contact Jefferson County UW-Extension at 920-674-7295

• Thursday, Dec. 3, 1 – 4 p.m., Iowa County UW-Extension Office, 222 N. Iowa St., Dodgeville, contact Iowa County UW-Extension at 608-935-0391

• Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1 - 4 p.m., Fond du Lac County UW-Extension Office, 400 University Drive, Fond du Lac, contact Fond du Lac County UW-Extension at 920-929-3170

• Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1 – 4 p.m., Marshfield Research Station, Marshfield, contact the Wood County UW-Extension Office at 715-421-8440

• Thursday, Dec. 10, 1– 4: p.m., Abbotsford Community Room, Abbotsford, contact the Clark County UW-Extension Office at 715-743-5121

Light refreshments and printed materials will be available at each location.

For more information about this series, contact Joy Kirkpatrick, UW Center for Dairy Profitability at 608-263-3485.