More than 250 farmers and industry stakeholders took part in the Ag Day at the Capitol rally, which was held virtually on Wednesday. The gathering is typically held for Wisconsin producers and agriculturists to meet with their state legislators to discuss issues that impact the rural economy.
Participants heard a pre-recorded message from Governor Tony Evers and Agriculture Secretary-designee Randy Romanski. Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Kevin Krentz also addressed the forum to share stories with legislators.
"It's important that they hear directly from you and how an issue is impacting you, your farm and your community, said Krentz.
Romanski highlighted the governor's proposal to provide support for Wisconsin's meat industry by allocating funding for processor grants to help expand and modernize, meat talent and development program to help support the industry's workforce development and the meat inspection program by funding additional full-time state meat inspectors.
Meanwhile, the group also listened to issue briefings on increased funding for broadband expansion, providing farmer grant programs for nitrogen optimization projects, addressing meat processing infrastructure, transportation funding, well remediation, wildlife damage, truth in food labeling and a host of other bills including farmland preservation tax credit and the Wisconsin initiative for agricultural exports and dairy processor grants.
Another focus of the program was support for agricultural nitrogen legislation. Attendees were asked to encourage legislators to support grants to farmers for the implementation of on-farm projects that are designed to reduce nitrate loading to groundwater. Additional legislative concepts discussed include advocating for improvements to DNR's Well Compensation Program and creating a Cover Crop Insurance Premium Rebate Program.
Categories: Wisconsin, General