As an equipment dealer, we are by no means an expert on agriculture programs, supports, regulations or even what agency offers what program at what time of the year. But as a partner to our customers, we want to see our customers be successful. We want to understand the wins and losses, the opportunities and challenges, the ups and downs they face so we can better serve them. We couldn’t help but notice the increased buzz this year about programs and supports. New programs, changing programs and long-standing programs seem to provide tremendous opportunities for some and tremendous challenges for others. Navigating what seems like a never-ending stream of changes to programs and deadlines, on top of managing your operation, can be tough for any producer or grower. While we’d like to at least acknowledge and appreciate the attempt to support our farmers and growers, we can’t also help but wonder if the processes and steps to enrolling into and actually reaping the benefits of the programs couldn’t somehow be made easier.
We certainly don’t have the answers and couldn’t begin to fathom the challenges of finding an answer. We only can hope our customers have the opportunity to take advantage of programs and supports that can help them in their business. The one thing we have learned is most of the time, any challenge or issue can be traced back to a communication breakdown. Whether that be a miscommunication, lack of communication or misleading communication, the fact is we all have a responsibility to question and clarify when we aren’t sure of something. While Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary does actually offer a legitimate definition for the word overcommunicate, I’m a strong believer there is no such thing! And sometimes that responsibility to communicate has to start with ourselves.
With the tough conditions we’ve been dealt this year, we can’t encourage you enough to communicate right now! Communication in terms of input, feedback and yes, questions, from you the farmer…the grower…the producer…the ones directly impacted, is crucial. This year has been anything but normal, from record-breaking snow in April, to extreme planting conditions and now into a harvest season riddled with more weather woes. We know it takes time, but there are potential avenues for you to use resources right here in our own backyards to help through the harvest this year and beyond. Below are a few options we’ve learned about and a few ideas that we hope may be of use to you.
Contact your local FSA, NRCS, USDA or other local government agency offices. We know deadlines are looming for certain crop insurance harvest dates, as an example. We encourage you to call or visit your local agency offices and talk with them about deadlines, requirements and maybe even extensions this fall. They know this season has been tough and while you are doing everything within your control to get the work done, sometimes Mother Nature just has other plans outside of what we can control. The more input and feedback those agencies receive, the better decisions they can make to benefit everyone involved now and into the future. But don’t wait; be proactive! It really doesn’t help your case to ask for an extension after the deadline. Start the conversations early so they know you are doing your part to follow the established procedures and protocols. And start early asking about programs or options for next year. It’s never too early to investigate opportunities and at least be aware of what options may be there for the future.
We also encourage you to work with your local industry organizations. Get involved! We have some amazing organizations here in Wisconsin who are working every day to help ensure and build the viability of our farms. Many of those organizations have experts on staff that understand the particular programs or policies relevant to your crop, product or specialization. They are there to help you so take advantage of these wonderful resources. They also can be the catalyst to change in the future, so share your concerns and challenges with those members and boards.
We know the resilience of our Wisconsin Farmers. We see it day in and day out and are proud to do our part to support our customers to keep them going, growing, producing and ultimately successful for the long-haul. We also see the willingness you have to work with your families, friends and neighbors, to help each other out and to see one another through the good and tough times. We see the amazing work you do every day and want to see you continue that work long into the future! We wish for a safe and successful harvest this fall for everyone.
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