GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, applauds Governor Evers and legislative leaders for their bipartisan effort to craft a budget that supports the state’s dairy community.
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“This budget reflects a strong commitment to Wisconsin’s dairy community,” Greg Siegenthaler, DBA board president, said. “We commend lawmakers for their dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance our state’s agricultural infrastructure and economic vitality.”
Governor Evers signed the 2025-2027 biennial budget early this morning. It includes additional funding and support for initiatives that align with DBA’s policy priorities, ensuring dairy remains a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy.
- Supporting Clean Water Initiatives: Ongoing funding for County Conservation Grants, Producer-led Watershed Protection Grants, Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Programs and cover crop insurance rebates.
- Building a Lasting Agriculture Transportation Infrastructure: Continuation of the Agriculture Road Improvement Program (ARIP) and improvements to CDL Training Grants.
- Promote Economic Support and Development: Additional funding for Dairy Processor Grants, continuation of the WI Agriculture Export Programs (WIAE), and the Food Security Grant Program.
- Encourage Dairy Research and Education: Continued funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub.
Policymakers’ ongoing support for pro-farm initiatives highlights the important role that agriculture plays in the state.
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“We appreciate the thoughtful and bipartisan work by lawmakers throughout this process, particularly those who took the lead on key agricultural initiatives,” Chad Zuleger, DBA director of government affairs, said. “Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) continued their strong support for rural infrastructure through ARIP funding. Representative Karen Hurd (R-Withee) and Senator Pat Testin (R-Stevens Point) worked to advance programs that help address the dairy community through their work on the Joint Finance Committee. Senators Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) and Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) consistently advocated for conservation funding and agriculture infrastructure. These efforts reflect a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Wisconsin agriculture.”
DBA would also like to recognize the supportive efforts of Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair, Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) and Co-Vice Chair Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and other members of the Committee for their leadership and ongoing commitment to Wisconsin’s more than $50 billion dairy industry.
DBA will continue to collaborate with legislators and partners with ongoing efforts to support dairy farmer initiatives, ensuring that Wisconsin’s dairy community remains robust and a key contributor to the state’s economy.
For more information about DBA’s current policy priorities, visit dairyforward.com.
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