The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has proposed sweeping changes to rules, ATCP 10 and 12, regulating Animal Disease and Movement and Animal Markets, Dealers and Truckers. These changes include massive fee increases, some nearly 1700% above current rates. These proposed fees present a substantial financial burden to markets, dealers and truckers that will unavoidably be passed down to farmers.
The inspections and public health activity costs of these programs have previously been partially funded by state funding in Wisconsin, as they are in all our neighboring states. DATCP’s proposal shifts the full cost of these programs onto industry fees. DATCP should restore and continue state funding support and pursue more reasonable fees to sustain these programs.
NOW is the time to act.
These unprecedented fee increases cannot move forward without your voice being heard. Share how these proposals would impact your farm, your business, and Wisconsin agriculture.
Full Proposals:
How to Participate
Submit Written Comments by Oct. 15, 2025
- Email: Angela.fisher1@wisconsin.gov
- Mail: Angela Fisher, DATCP, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708
Sample Comments:
Re: Proposed Changes to ATCP 10 and 12 Fees
I write today in opposition to the fee increases proposed for animal dealers, truckers, and markets in ATCP 10 and 12. I raise/farm [livestock or commodity type] in [home county], and I know the cost of these fees will be passed directly on to farmers. The result of such dramatic increases will be fewer marketing options and less opportunity to sell livestock in Wisconsin. Fewer options inevitably mean lower prices and thinner margins for farmers.
The inspections and animal health protections funded by these programs serve a broad public purpose, protecting animal health and consumer confidence. It is fundamentally unfair to shift the entire cost onto farmers, truckers, dealers, and markets. Other states fund these programs with state support because the benefits are shared by everyone. DATCP should restore and continue that approach.
I respectfully urge that DATCP reconsider these unreasonable fee increases and maintain a funding structure with state support that is fair, practical, and supportive of both public health and Wisconsin agriculture.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Questions
If you have any questions or would like more information about the proposed rules, submitting comments, or participating in the hearings, please contact Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Government Relations team at GovernmentRelations@wfbf.com
