This episode digs into a topic that’s a little different from Rural Realities’ usual content, but it’s something that affects us all and can be especially relevant during the holidays: consumer protection. Michelle Reinen, the Administrator of DATCP’s Division of Trade and Consumer Protection, joins the Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres to discuss seasonal consumer protection issues and tips to prevent scams and fraud. From safe online shopping to grocery store and gas station inspections, learn more about protecting yourself, your family, and your business – and what DATCP is doing to ensure a safe, fair holiday season for Wisconsin consumers.

Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at (800) 942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov.

If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

We are resharing this episode as we approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday! This episode digs into a topic that’s a little different from Rural Realities’ usual content, but it’s something that affects us all and can be especially relevant during the holidays: consumer protection. The Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres sat down with Michelle Reinen, Division Administrator for the Division of Consumer Protection at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, to talk about scams that can affect small businesses--including farms--and consumers, and how we can protect ourselves. Michelle shares some tips about scam prevention, digital security, charitable giving, buying gift cards, and more.

Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov.

If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at 888-901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.

Tom Moos and Deb Jakubek are the peer leaders for the Wisconsin Farm Center’s “Rural Relations” Online Support Group. “Rural Relations” is an online group for Wisconsin farmers and their families that is a safe space to share resources, encouragement, and advice while reducing stigma around difficult issues. It also offers participants practical guidance and tools to improve farm communications and relationships. In this episode, Tom and Deb connect with Wisconsin Farm Center’s Karen Endres to talk about how this group started, and how it supports and connects farmers across the state.

Experiencing a challenge on the farm? Contact the Wisconsin Farm Center! With more than a hundred years of collective agriculture experience, the Wisconsin Farm Center team offers free and confidential financial and transition planning services, conflict mediation, veterinary diagnostic analysis, and more. They can be reached at (800) 942-2474 or farmcenter@wisconsin.gov. More information on programs and services is available at https://farmcenter.wi.gov.

If you are experiencing increased stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just need a welcoming ear to talk to, please contact the free and confidential 24/7 Wisconsin Farmer Wellness Helpline at (888) 901-2558 for immediate support. In-person and tele-counseling sessions are also available by request.