The following statement can be attributed to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President Joe Bragger:
“Our lives as farmers and agriculturists have changed drastically over the past few weeks as we battle with challenges related to COVID-19.
Farmers who raise livestock have a great understanding of herd immunity and the dangers of disease spread when something enters the herd that you are unable to vaccinate for. Taking proactive measures to keep livestock healthy and following biosecurity protocol on the farm, is nothing new. The same logic applies to how our country must battle the recent coronavirus pandemic.
At the same time, as a farmer, I am no stranger to the pain the agricultural community is feeling as a result of this pandemic. I can assure you that Farm Bureau always has, and will continue to, fight for farmers and rural communities. I urge you to continue to control what you can and advocate for yourselves as we simultaneously work to voice your concerns and urgent needs to all stakeholders.
Farmers are incredible people. Even while they face some of the most challenging times in recent memory, they are not afraid to step up and help people in need. Continue to support each other, because together is the only way we will get through this.”
Bob Uphoff says
Joe,
Thank you for your dedication to Wisconsin agriculture. I too want all of us to be safe. Unfortunately, it is time to end the Safer at Home nonsense. Yesterday (Sunday), I witness on the average 180 to 200 cars per hour going by my farm on their way to and from Madison. This is a Township road, not a county highway. That is more traffic than on a normal Sunday and way more than When we were all advised to stay home(5 to 6 cars an hour). Dairy farmers are having to dump 20% of their production and we have had ZERO sales of pork products since the first week of March because of the closure of Restaurants. In talking to our distributors last week, we thought we could have a possible production run on the 27th of April. Once the governor extended the closure of the restaurants, we are back to no orders. With closure of major packing facilities in the Midwest, we are unable to get any hogs moved until sometime in May.
After witnessing the traffic yesterday, I think it is time to “dump” the Safer at Home idea. It has severely harmed Agriculture with the loss of food service.
Thank You
Bob Uphoff
Chris says
Thanks Joe!