WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Governor Tony Evers announced Monday, Dec. 20, that more than 20,000 Wisconsin farmers received a total of $50 million through the 2021 Farm Support Program.

This is the third round of the Farm Support Program, which provides direct aid payments to Wisconsin farmers who experienced economic loss due to the pandemic. 

In total, Evers has directed $100 million to support Wisconsin farmers through the program.

“From trade wars and supply chain issues to environmental challenges, Wisconsin farmers and their families have faced challenges for years as they’ve worked to make sure Wisconsinites and families across the country could put food on their tables,” said Gov. Evers. “Our farmers have always had our backs, and we've got to have theirs. I'm proud to direct these funds to more than 20,000 Wisconsin farmers to help bolster their businesses, support our rural communities, and ensure the long-term recovery and success of our farmers, their families and agricultural industries across our state.”

The first two rounds of the Farm Support Program distributed more than $50 million to more than 15,000 farmers across the state in 2020.

The third round saw a 33% increase in applications.

A breakdown by county for the first, second and third rounds, and combined totals for the Farm Support Program are available HERE.

For more on the Farm Support Program, see the DATCP Farm Support Program page.