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Madison, Wis. – The Dairy Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, is pleased to see several actions taken by the state’s budget-writing committee Thursday night that will help the dairy community prosper economically while protecting natural resources.
“We appreciate the Joint Committee on Finance recognizing the important work our dairy farmers do around the clock to drive the state’s $46 billion economy,” said Chad Zulger, Gov. DBA Affairs Director. “Agriculture leaders in the Legislature, Sean Ballweg and Rep. Kurtz, are especially to be commended for putting the interests of the farming community first.”
As part of the state’s 2023-25 budget, the committee’s dairy-related priorities include:
- An additional $300,000 per year for dairy processors, for a total of $1 million in biennial grants.
- Continued $1 million annually for the Wisconsin Agricultural Export Initiative, which will support a 37% increase in dairy exports in its first year.
- $100,000 a year to support farmer mental health
- Increases funding by $200,000 annually to a total of $1 million to support on-farm research projects that reduce nitrate contamination in drinking water.
- It also doubles the $800,000 grant each year to encourage the planting of cover crops, which builds soil health and helps retain nutrients in fields.
- Continued support of $1 million for farmer-led watershed conservation programs
- $1 million to help rural residents remediate contaminated private wells and properly seal abandoned wells
“DBA sees additional opportunities for support – especially related to water quality – and will continue to stand alongside our partners for bold action,” Zulger said. “The goal is to have clean water and sustainable farms, and Wisconsin must continue to move forward with that goal.”
After the committee completes its work, it can make changes to the spending plan adopted by the Senate. The full legislature must agree to the budget before it is sent to the governor, who can make changes. The goal is to have the budget ready by July 1.
Images:
DBA logo
Documents:
Budget priorities
Legal priority
Twitter about this @DairyForward applauds the Joint Committee on Finance for prioritizing the next phase of the budget for the dairy community #DairyForward
About DBA:
The Dairy Trade Association is Wisconsin’s leading dairy lobby group, advocating for smart and common sense regulations that affect the dairy community. The nonprofit organization consists of farmers, milk processors, retailers and other business partners who work together to ensure that dairy farms of all sizes receive the support they need to make America’s dairy industry strong. Additional information: www.dairyforward.com.
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