Celebrate Wisconsin farmers this fall

KEWAUNEE COUNTY – Fall is a great time in Wisconsin for many reasons — one being fall agricultural tourism, or agritourism. Wisconsinites flock to farms across the state for wagon rides, apple cider donuts and elaborate corn mazes.

The experience of fall agritourism is an important part of Wisconsin’s culture and heritage, and, at its heart, is a celebration of the harvest season and the culmination of a year of hard work. This National Farmers Day on Oct. 12, as we continue to enjoy farm fun this fall, I would like to thank our farmers for serving as the backbone of our communities and supplying the food, fiber and fuel that support our daily lives.

Farmers are the driver of the state’s $116.3 billion agriculture industry, and, by extension, Wisconsin’s overall economy. In fact, almost 10% of those working in Wisconsin hold a job related to agriculture. These are the folks who work to put food on tables across the state, the country and the world. In 2024, Wisconsin exported $3.97 billion in agricultural and food products to 151 countries, meaning that our farmers not only provide us with quality dairy, crops and other raw resources, but they also provide for agricultural export markets in Canada, Mexico, China, Korea, Japan and countless other countries.

Considering that Governor Evers and the legislature continued to invest in the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE) in the 2025-2027 biennial budget, DATCP will continue to work with Wisconsin agribusinesses to support Wisconsin farmers and push against trade headwinds and challenges.

The worldliness of Wisconsin agriculture is impressive, but we can only progress if we also work to support the farmers themselves. State legislature invested in farmers through the biennial budget for issues such as soil and water conservation programs, food security efforts, road quality, meat and dairy processing expansion and farmer mental health.

Mental health is a key to overall wellness. Due to these investments, DATCP’s Farmer Wellness Program, an initiative that provides a 24/7 crisis helpline, counseling vouchers and virtual counseling services for farmers and their families, will be able to continue being there for farmers. We just wrapped up September, which was Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. People often recognize the physical labor required for farming, but it’s important we also understand the mental and emotional labor connected to it as well. Farmers are the foundation of Wisconsin’s culture, and DATCP will continue to serve as a resource to farmers in need of someone to turn to.

It’s important that farmers are appreciated not just on National Farmers Day, but every day of the year. To show your appreciation, I encourage you to take part in harvest festivals, buy locally grown and produced agricultural goods and thank your local farmer. You can also get involved in supporting Wisconsin farmers by connecting with farm organizations in your community.

Every day, and especially this Oct. 12, thank you, Wisconsin farmers!