Dairy farmers applaud budget actions taken by state legislature

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.”