Rural Economy
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Wisconsin dairy industry to take big hit under Trump’s deportations
Behind the title of “America’s Dairyland” is a workforce comprised of migrant workers. Experts say without them, the dairy industry could collapse. Shortly after taking the oath of office for the second time, Donald Trump followed through on a campaign promise to crack down on undocumented immigrants already in the United States and seal the…
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Rural hospital CEO: ‘Women’s health has to be made a priority’
Expectant mothers are facing an OB-GYN desert in western Wisconsin, with several hospitals closing their birthing centers over the last few years. The gap in care has forced pregnant women to travel long distances for prenatal care, emergencies, and when they go into labor. One rural hospital is taking a different approach—they’re expanding.
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Why this Wisconsin farmer says tariffs will impact you too
Wondering if Trump’s tariffs will impact your pocketbook? This Wisconsin farmer breaks down how the president-elect’s pledge to impose tariffs on imports will show up in the grocery aisle.
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CSA 101: Your guide to securing fresh produce directly from Wisconsin farmers
Fresh food, FAST! Want to reboot your eating habits? Support local farmers? Save money on the freshest produce? Wisconsin’s CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, programs make that easy!
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Chippewa Falls’ Leinenkugels Brewery is closing after 157 years
After more than 157 years, Leinenkugel’s beer will no longer be brewed in Chippewa Falls.
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Wisconsin voters pass school district’s referendum for childcare center
In the Lincoln School District – which is Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan, voters saw a little something different on the ballot this week. It was a question that asked to borrow about $2.9 million dollars to add a childcare center onto the elementary school in Merrillan. It passed, with 57% voting in favor of the project.
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Why local business leaders helped this Wisconsin woman open a childcare center
After learning that businesses in Jackson County were losing $2.5 million a year due to a lack of local childcare, a group of employers came together to create solutions for families in their area.
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Survey: Rural Wisconsin workforce and families are hurting due to childcare gaps
The lack of childcare in Wisconsin’s rural areas is keeping people out of the workforce, or is forcing them to work part-time, according to an early childhood survey. In addition to hurting families, the situation is making it harder for employers to find workers, too.
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How Sen. Tammy Baldwin is getting help to Wisconsin families for childcare
Sen. Baldwin delivered direct support in the annual funding package to projects expanding access to affordable childcare across Wisconsin, especially in rural areas with childcare deserts.
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Opinion: Kamala Harris is the best choice for rural Wisconsin
Longtime writer of stories about Wisconsin agriculture and rural life sees Vice President Kamala Harris and her policies for farms and families as a better alternative than another round of Trump tariffs.

























