MADISON – Early this morning, the Wisconsin Legislature passed the 2025-27 state biennial budget, which was subsequently signed by Gov. Tony Evers into law. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation appreciates and applauds the efforts of legislative leaders and Gov. Evers in enacting the 2025-2027 state biennial budget.
This budget includes continued investments across agriculture, advancing funding for rural infrastructure, agricultural conservation, processing capacity, industry innovation and mental health services for farmers.
As part of the budget, it also reauthorizes the Agricultural Road Improvement Program with $150 million in funding to upgrade farm roads and bridges, ensuring the safety, reliability and long-term viability of the rural road network that Wisconsin agriculture depends on.
The $150 million provided in the last budget cycle supported 92 road grants to local governments across the state, enabling upgrades to rural roads that carry more than 15 million tons of agricultural goods annually, sustaining the farming and forestry businesses that contribute more than $12 billion a year to Wisconsin’s economy.
“Passing the state budget and reauthorizing ARIP was a must for Wisconsin agriculture,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson. “Farmers rely on these rural roads to move products, access markets, and operate efficiently. We greatly appreciate the work of Sen. Howard Marklein, Rep. Travis Tranel, members of the Joint Finance Committee and legislative leaders for their work prioritizing ARIP and investing in many other important agricultural programs to support Wisconsin’s rural economy.”
The budget as passed and signed into law provides funding across a wide range of programs that matter to Wisconsin farmers. These investments reflect the diverse needs of agriculture and the continued effort to strengthen rural communities and the farm economy. Support for key programs include:
- Dairy Processing Grant Program: $1.2 million allocated to expand dairy processing capacity, drive innovation and improve efficiency.
- Meat Processor Grants: $1.6 million provided for facility upgrades and improvements.
- Producer-led Watershed Grants: Continued funding of $2 million to support farmer-led initiatives enhancing soil health and reducing runoff.
- Cover Crop Insurance Premium Rebate Program: Continued funding of $1.6 million to promote cover crop use for soil health and water quality improvement.
- Nitrogen Optimization Grant Program: Increased funding to $2 million for farmer-led nitrogen use research to enhance water quality and soil health.
- Farm Center Mental Health Vouchers: Continued funding of $100,000 to provide mental health support services for farmers and their families.
- County Conservation Staff: Nearly $30 million to support county conservation staff in implementing agricultural and conservation programs.
- Food Security Grant Program: $10 million to provide grants to nonprofit food banks in Wisconsin to purchase Wisconsin grown and processed food for those in need.
- CDL Driver Training Grant Program: $500,000 to cover a portion of tuition costs to train new commercial drivers in Wisconsin.
- Division of Animal Health Staff: Provides three staff positions to DATCP’s Division of Animal Health to support potential animal disease outbreak coordination and response.
Additionally, in a late-night amendment, $20 million was set aside to support a Dairy Cattle Innovation Program aimed at helping farmers invest in on-farm equipment and technology upgrades that improve efficiency, animal care and long-term viability in Wisconsin’s dairy sector. Program details are still forthcoming but will be developed further through the legislative process in the weeks ahead.
Olson added, “These investments recognize the breadth and significance of Wisconsin’s $116 billion agricultural economy, which supports one in nine jobs across the state. The budget’s targeted funding for agriculture reinforces its role as the foundation of rural Wisconsin, fueling local economies, supporting families and driving innovation across the supply chain. By supporting agriculture in this budget, state leaders are making a direct investment in the strength and future of our rural communities.”
Made up of 61 county Farm Bureaus, Wisconsin Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, representing farms of every size, commodity and management style.
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