Stay up-to-date on what bills Wisconsin Farm Bureau is watching on the state and federal level.
What You Need To Know
As the U.S. dairy industry continues to rapidly change, federal dairy policy changes with it. However, if dairy policy is to evolve, dairy farmers need to be involved.
While Federal Milk Marketing Orders have been an important aspect of the dairy industry for more than 80 years, outside of the 2018 Farm Bill, there have not been substantial updates in nearly two decades. The COVID-19 global pandemic highlighted the challenges of volatile milk prices and outdated milk pricing and pooling provisions.
The FMMO system is currently being evaluated and your input is crucial. WFBF has created relevant resources related to the FMMO hearing and comment process. For more information and to submit your comments to the USDA, check out the resources below.
Agricultural Road Improvement Program
Farmer Support Form
Applications are now available for the Agricultural Road Improvement Program. Farmers and loggers are encouraged to contact their local governments and ask them to submit applications for the first round of grants.
Collaboration between local officials and farmers is essential to ensure the success of ARIP. Program priority will be given to projects providing the greatest benefit to farmers, so local officials need information directly from farmers to submit a successful application.
To assist in providing local officials with this information WFBF has created a farmer support form for farmers and agricultural processors to provide economic impact information with local officials.
Please fill out the form below and share with your town or county board to assist in the ARIP application process.
Related resources:
- WFBF and UW-Extension Hosts Solar Contract Basics Workshops.
- Farm Bureau letter to USDA Requesting for Emergency Return to “Higher-of” Class I Mover
- Congressman Van Orden Hosts 2023 Farm Bill Listening Session.
- WFBF Hosts AFBF Economist for Dairy Pricing and Policy Discussion.
- WFBF releases its 2023 Farm Bill Priorities.
State Issues
Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a disease of poultry that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (5) and A (7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other animal species.
WI Farm Bureau Health Plans
WFBF is looking to address the cost of health coverage and the options to provide access to more affordable coverage for our members through Farm Bureau Health Plans. The goal is to offer an affordable product to meet the health care needs of members’ families. Click here to read more.
2023 Ag Day at the Capitol
Ag Day at the Capitol is WFBF's annual event for farmers and agriculturists to learn more about state issues affecting agriculture and meet with their state legislators on the industry’s biggest legislative priorities in the 2023-25 state budget. Learn more on this years Ag Day...