Why Farmers Face Uncertainty with Contracts Suspended

Wisconsin farmers face significant financial uncertainty after President Donald Trump suspends conservation contracts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). One dairy farmer is already estimating a $30,000 loss following the government’s decision to put the brakes on specific contracts meant to support environmentally sustainable farming practices.

Conservation agreements generally include the implementation of eco-friendly practices ranging from preventing fertilizer runoff, cleaning up polluted streams, or stopping the loss of topsoil. The contracts have been funded by former President Joe Biden’s climate law – a part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

The suspension comes as a surprise after assurances the programs helping farmers wouldn’t be impacted during the Trump administration’s government overhaul. Many farmers have already spent the money expected for these environmental initiatives. 

“We are feeling the effects not just financially, but also in our ability to continue nurturing the land in sustainable ways,” Hans Breitenmoser, a Lincoln County dairy farmer, says. “The suspension leaves us in a precarious situation, with many now unsure how to proceed with our ongoing practices.”

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Listen to a discussion about the contracts on a recent UpNorthNews Radio show:

[podcast src="https://civicmedia.us/shows/upnorthnews/2025/02/18/this-manures-gettin-real-for-wi-farmers-hour-2"]

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And the uncertainty isn’t just affecting farmers. It is rippling through the financial system. Banks, which typically offer loans backed by these conservation funds, are now unclear about the government’s commitment. The unpredictability will also put additional pressure on rural communities, where the economy is often tied to farmers. 

“The situation includes broader implications with these decisions being based on the whims of a few billionaires who lack the understanding about our rural realities,” Breitenmoser explains. “This disruption is also impacting international food aid programs that depend on products from Wisconsin like cranberries and potatoes. These crops could end up unsold as a result of the halted contracts.”

The government’s role in providing stability and support through these types of programs is critical for many farmers. But as the political landscape changes, rural communities may have to face questions about the future of agriculture and the ability to maintain food security, at both the local and global levels.