Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation released the following statement from WFBF President Brad Olson today following the veto of Assembly Bill 957.
“This bill was supported by more than 15 respected agricultural groups in the state and we are extremely disappointed by the veto of this legislation.
Farmers have never faced more challenges than they do today. This bill aimed to proactively preempt efforts by anti-farming activists to enact local ordinances targeting farming practices endorsed by experts and veterinarians.
Local governments do not have the expertise and should not override the professional judgment of farmers and veterinarians on animal welfare, medication and vaccination of farm animals. Laws in other states have restricted farmers in doing certain practices so this is a very serious threat to Wisconsin’s agricultural community.
These types of ordinances are harmful to farms of all sizes but especially damaging to smaller farms with less access to credit to pay for major renovations to facilities. This veto truly is a let down for all of our state’s farmers.
WFBF will continue to be a strong advocate for Wisconsin farmers and push back against these types of activist driven ordinances.”
Laurie Groskopf says
Thanks for your support of this Bill 957. It is very sad that the piecemeal approach is being endorsed by the current administration. As you note, this policy decision is bad for all farmers, but particularly the farmers who have less capacity to satisfy the conditions required by local ordinances.