Local

Kind continues push to end trade war; Details damage done to Wisconsin farmers

Published

5 years ago

June 21, 2019

Congressman Ron Kind of La Crosse continues to rail against the trade war between the U.S. and several countries.

During a hearing this week with U.S. trade rep. Robert Lighthizer, Kind reiterated the impact it’s having on Wisconsin dairy farmers.

“They’re getting wiped out,” Kind said. “We had record bankruptcies last year at two a day, and it’s gone to three a day this year. The trade war doesn’t have everything to do with it but it’s just piling on.”

The desperation is growing according to Kind, seeing their anxiety.

“Every weekend I go home and I’m attending dairy breakfasts and talking with these farmers,” Kind said. “The fear I see in their eyes and what I hear in their voice, it’s real.”

Lighthizer said the USMCA, the trade deal which replaced NAFTA, should help Wisconsin farmers recover faster.

Drew Kelly

Born in Decorah Iowa. I've been a news reporter for the last 10 years, starting right out of college in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Other professional opportunities led me to Marshalltown, Iowa and Antigo Wisconsin, before I finally was afforded the opportunity here in La Crosse. I've been here since 2016. I also act as the voice of local sports, doing play by play of high school and college football and basketball. When not working I enjoy golfing.