Wisconsin farmers say they’re struggling to survive.
As the 2024 election heats up and politicians vie for the Americans’ votes, one important group feels like they’re being forgotten.
Wisconsin farmers Katie and Grant Grinstead said rural America, home to many agricultural and manufacturing workers, is still figuring out which political messages will resonate with them.
“We haven’t heard from them yet,” Grant told ABC News. “All the politicians know how to contact us, but our phones aren’t ringing. They want to understand our views and what we’re working on. Please reach out to us.”
Katie and Grant are fourth generation dairy farmers and part of a long and proud tradition in America’s dairy country. Wisconsin’s dairy industry produces more than 25 million gallons of dairy products annually and contributes $46 billion to the state’s economy.
They are fighting to survive as the milk production industry continues to shrink. The economics of milk production are no longer favorable for small producers like the Grinsteads.
“Looking back over the past 30 years, we [saw] Similar prices in the 90s [to what] “What we’re doing here today is the challenge of 2024,” Grant said. “In 2024 we have the challenge of the rising prices of everything around us.”
The Grinsteads told ABC News they are more interested in elections than they’ve ever been and have never been more involved in politics.
Grant worries about the future of his farm and livelihood and is concerned about border security. He says America is built on immigrants and Americans need to understand that immigrants want to come to America. He wants to see the right people in office who will teach immigrants how to become American citizens.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, 28% of U.S. agricultural workers and about a third of hospitality workers are immigrants.
“There are so many industries in the US that rely on immigrant workers,” Katie said, “and they turn a blind eye because they know they’re needed, but they’re not willing to stand up and lead for immigrant workers because the issue is so controversial.”
The Grinsteads prioritize policy and sometimes split their votes, but now more than ever they need politicians who will stand up for rural America.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, only 1.2 percent of the population works in agriculture, but this tiny percentage is responsible for feeding the world. She believes farmers are often forgotten, and they are desperate to get the attention of politicians and advocate for policies that will improve their lives.
If lawmakers continue to ignore his concerns, Grant suggested taking drastic measures.
“Maybe we should just stop making food,” Grant said. “Would that attract attention?”
