In rural communities across Wisconsin and beyond, farmers like Tammy Fritsch are facing uncertainty due to federal spending freezes and cuts under the Trump Administration. Fritsch, a dairy farmer from Freedom, Wisconsin, owns Two Guernsey Girls Creamery, a micro-dairy with 13 cows. She recently received a Dairy Business Innovation grant to expand her business, investing in equipment and hiring employees to make cheese and now ice cream.
However, the USDA temporarily halted funding for innovation grant recipients, leaving farmers like Fritsch in limbo. After facing financial strain and uncertainty, the USDA eventually approved reimbursements totaling $28.6 million for over 400 dairy processors and farmers nationwide, including Fritsch. Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden praised Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for swiftly releasing the funds.
The situation has been emotionally challenging for farmers and processors, with Rebekah Sweeney from the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association describing the past weeks as filled with tears and fear. Travis Forgues, another farmer in Wisconsin, is awaiting a $92,000 grant for renewable energy, which remains frozen. Despite using personal funds to invest in his farm’s future, Forgues expresses disappointment in the government’s delay in honoring its commitments.
The saga highlights the struggles and resilience of small-scale farmers in navigating bureaucratic obstacles and financial uncertainties, underscoring the vital role of federal support in sustaining agricultural innovation and growth within rural communities.
