Family farmers oppose credit services merger

As a farm family, we have through the years relied and appreciated the ability to borrow money through our farm credit system, presently Badgerland Financial. However, we are very much opposed to the merger of AgStar Financial, FIrrst Farm Credit and our Badgerland Financial.

This merger will exacerbate the loaning of money to non-farm, mega businesses such has already been done to Verizon and the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain, which certainly are far from the original farm loan system.

This was not what our forefathers intended and may, if continued, break down our excellent farm borrowing system — a subsidized system so beneficial to family ranchers and farmers. This merger may be a plum for the CEOs who have paid themselves huge salaries. However, this was certainly not the intention of the rules. Our Badgerland Financial is an excellent tool for us and others.

We realize it is a subsidized financial system and we hope it continues as is. We encourage all fellow stockholders to vote NO to this upcoming merger.

Don and Anite Nelson

Wisconsin Dells

Editor's note: The special stockholders meeting will be held at 9 a.m. April 7, at the Prairie du Sac office, 1430 North Ridge Dr., Prairie du Sac​. Mailed proxy form and ballot must be received by the independent tabulator by Thursday, April 6, 5 p.m. as indicated in the stockholder packets mailed out.