Farms: The Decline of Small Family Dairy Farms In Wisconsin

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1. I am a recent college graduate that grew up in a community that tried and hurt based on the fortune of our local producers and agribusinesses. I think the part that this video doesn't address are those of us who are coming back to the farm or starting new and cannot find an fluid means of acquiring assets and financing to pick up where or kin left off or let go. I pray often for divine help so I can reverse the trend.
2. In my area in central Wisconsin we are one of the only small dairy farms left and we are struggling, so many farms are being abandoned and barns are being torn down the amount of small family farms is declining and it's a tough time for the farms left
3. Great video. Thanks
4. Es triste que todas las familias que trabajamos en el sector primario,que contribuimos con nuestro trabajo al mantenimiento del entono rural y a la alimentacion de la pobacion nos veamos en una situacion de crisis permanente.
5. I live on a 73 cow dairy farm and I am the oldest of my 4 brothers and this is sad to see all these great wisconsin dairy farms going away and am going to become the 5th generation for this dairy farm. I grow up In wisconsin near GreenBay
6. It is the same every where and sad to see being a 4th generation farmer
7. Dylan VanBoxtel wheres your farm? You go after the "Mega Farms" but your not a dairy farmer yourself.
8. Excellent documentary Dylan, very well done. I wish there was more coverage regarding this topic.
9. this video should be sent to the us governement
10. Yeah all these young punks do want it because it's hard work they sure don't wanna pay for milk but they sure ad he'll like pizza don't they ice cream no matter what they say it's all Damn greed and to hell with little man
11. that's what greed has done for the country we live in Damn gov can't keep. out of it milk they don't want little man, to make it like they used to its all a bunch of carp all they think of are factory farms it's a Damn shame but u can't make people see
12. Dairy kills.
13. Jacob you are wrong about environmental impact large scale farming uses more chemicals and does not readily accept organic
14. it is so sad to see this video. I had to live to see this happen to my legacy. my farm I grew up on was sold 22 years ago. I wanted to return to the farm. it is impossible for me to return due to the influx of the mega corporate dairy. with land going for 3500.00 plus an acre rent 400 a year or more. I cannot get into it. the 140 acre dairy I grew up on would cost over 600,000.00 to purchase. add the machinery and equipment I can't save that.... The only way I could would be to carry on with a retiring farmer at 45 years old who would give me that chance. those that are hire illegal immigrant labor to survive
15. Government will soon destroy any incentive to produce and line the pockets of those in bed with them.
16. question : why to you show a E.U. milk producers demonstration pictures to argue you film ? don't you have demonstration in Wisconsin? come to Brittany France to get some leson insted of complaining . We fite the autorities for ours rights on some we get right . check for the last  Bonnet Rouge fit again the french governement !!!
17. This is what happens in all industries unfortunately. Used to be thousands of small diners - now fast food chains that own everything in the process have replaced them. Hardware stores are replaced by Home Depot and Lowe's.
18. great video!  I am a landscape artist who lives near Madison and have had the honor of being allowed to spend time on 3 small dairy farms near my home.  These are 2nd and 3rd generation heritage farms. I am so impressed with the families and their values as well as their care for their animals.  Even though their cows are livestock and not pets, the farmers put the good health and welfare of the cows way ahead of themselves.  Of course they want their operations to at best break even and grow, but I have never gotten the sense that making lots of money is the priority.  It is all about the quality of lifestyle, pride and  independence.  Dairy farming takes a special kind of person - It is really hard work, every day is full of challenges and risk (weather, illness, equipment failure, prices, etc) and to survive one has to be disciplined, flexible, fully committed, really smart and lucky.  Experience and know how are essential. Small dairy farmers don't waste time on Facebook, Tweeting, following the Kardashians or playing games on the computer.  But they do know what it going on in the world.   I am a city gal and obviously have enough time in my day to watch this video and write this comment - but I felt that it is important to give a shout out to all the small dairy farmers in Wisconsin.  Your numbers are getting less and less all the time. There is some hope.  Reports have suggested that a small % of grown kids who previously left the farm for the lights of the big city are coming back by choice and not economic necessity.  Lifestyle and independence.   Forward Wisconsin! 
19. Ever heard of economies of scale?l
    
    The reason small farms can't compete is that their static costs(diesel fuel, electricity, farm equipment, etc) make up a proportionally larger share of their revenue.
    
    Because they are using more resources per unit produced, they are less efficient and can't make a profit. When you get down to the facts, they're causing more environmental impact for a given amount produced.
    
    You can get all nostalgic about the past, but poverty levels are the lowest they've been; ever. The only way we can feed everyone(or provide everyone with any product) is through massive industrialization. Farmers who haven't already realized this are going to wither away.