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How the Slowey Family Farm Fosters Neighborly Bonds Through an Annual Tradition
Every summer for the past 24 years, the Slowey family of Westfield, Wisconsin, has hosted a “Neighborhood Party” on their farm as a way to thank the community and build strong relationships with their neighbors. What started in 2001 with just 75 guests has grown into a major annual event, drawing nearly 400 attendees from…
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Connecting Through Conversation: A Wisconsin Farmer’s Plea for Rural Mental Health
Josh Steiner, a dairy farmer in Monroe, Wisconsin, is a strong advocate for open communication in rural communities, especially concerning mental health. This conviction stems from his own profound personal tragedy: the loss of a child due to a rare pregnancy complication. During that difficult time, Steiner admits he “put that mental fence up,” isolating…
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Wisconsin Dairy Farms Rally After Tornado Outbreak
On May 15th, a series of 14 tornadoes tore through Wisconsin, devastating several dairy farms, including those of Brenda and Jeff Elsinger in Lomira and the Schwandt family near Juneau. The Elsingers’ freestall barn was destroyed by an EF1 tornado, a heartbreaking loss for Brenda who had dedicated 36 years to building their dairy operation.…
