MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – In an effort to assist farmers across Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are launching a series of virtual farmer support groups.

Support groups will be offered at different dates and times to accommodate farmers’ schedules:

• 8 PM, fourth Monday of every month
• 1:00 PM, first Tuesday of every month
• 8:00 PM on the third Thursday of every month (for farm couples)

According to a release, the support groups are open to farmers and their spouses at no cost. Participants can be located anywhere in Wisconsin and must register in advance.

Each session will be 60-90 minutes long and will be held on Zoom. Sessions will be limited to 20 attendees per session, with a couple counting as one attendee.

Sessions will be led and moderated by peer leaders that are farmers who have experienced stress and anxiety while operating their own farm.

A licensed mental health provider with extensive experience in serving farmers will also be on-hand at each session to offer additional support as needed.

To register for a session or for more information, visit the website.