Area farmers and lawmakers call for action on federal farm laws to help western Wisconsin

Farmers in western Wisconsin should have a federal program that helps them remain in business. That’s what some area farmers are saying. along with the Wisconsin Farmers Union, holding a rally in La Crosse’s Burns Park on Thursday to call for Congressional action.

Westby farmer Darin Von Ruden serves as president of the state farmers’ group. At the pro-farm rally, Von Ruden called on Washington to avoid budget cuts in the nutrition program, because that could hurt farmers. “There is an issue with some abuse in different spots,” said Von Ruden, “but let’s address that on a case-by-case basis,” and not make it a feeling “that everybody’s a bad actor in this.”

During the Burns Park event, state lawmakers Tara Johnson and Brad Pfaff spoke in support of getting a farm bill approved. Johnson called it “ridiculous” that a full five-year farm bill has not been passed. She called on Congressman Derrick Van Orden to “pass the damn farm bill.”

State Senator Pfaff says the last time Congress passed a farm bill was 7 years ago, and it’s “long past time” to write a new one.