Dairy farmers applaud budget actions taken by state legislature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2023

Contact: Karen Gefvert 
Director of public affairs
(608) 617-2772 | kgefvert@voiceofmilk.com

Dairy farmers applaud budget actions
taken by state legislature
Advocacy group says state is investing in Wisconsin dairy

MADISON, Wis. — The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, applauded action taken this week by the state legislature in Madison. Key among items addressed was the approval of the state’s biennial budget, which included funding for the Ag Roads Improvement Program, producer-led watershed groups, dairy processing grants, the Wisconsin Initiative for Ag Exports, among others.   

In addition to the budget action, the state Senate also passed updates to the Farm Service CDL, proclaimed June 2023 as Dairy Month in Wisconsin and confirmed the reappointment of state secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Craig Thompson. Sens. Marklein, R-Spring Green, Ballweg, R-Markesan, and Testin, R-Stevens Point, as well as Reps. Kurtz, R-Wonewoc, Oldenburg, R-Viroqua, and Tranel, R-Cuba City, were all influential in moving these legislative items forward.

“Wisconsin is known as America’s Dairyland for a reason,” said Lee Kinnard, DBA President. “This week’s action proves the state legislature recognizes the roles our farm families play in our local, regional and state economies. Our ag leaders remain a strong voice for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers.” 

Several items included in the approved budget were key priorities for DBA entering the state budget process, including ag roads, cover crop insurance premium rebates, producer-led watershed group funding, Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program funding, investments into dairy processing and ag exports and continued funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub. These priorities received strong bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. 

Having passed both the Senate and the Assembly, the state budget and Farm Service CDL bill will now head to Gov. Evers’ desk for signature. 

“DBA urges Governor Evers to continue his commitment to Wisconsin dairy farmers by supporting the measures in the budget sent to him,” Kinnard said. “This investment will ensure Wisconsin holds its place as an international leader in dairy and keep our rural communities strong.”

Images:

Lee Kinnard

DBA logo

Documents:

Budget Priorities

Tweet about this: @DairyForward celebrates new funding for ag roads #DairyForward

About DBA:

The Dairy Business Association is Wisconsin’s leading dairy lobby group, championing smart and sensible regulations affecting the dairy community. The nonprofit organization is comprised of farmers, milk processors, vendors and other business partners who work collaboratively to ensure that dairy farms of all sizes have the support they need to keep America’s Dairyland strong. More information: www.dairyforward.com.

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