Wisconsin farm bureau delegates adopt policies

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) held its 104th Annual Meeting, where more than 230 delegates established new policy directives for the organization. These policies will be included in the WFBF's policy book in 2024.

Dairy Policy

• Delegates supported the transfer of grade A permits from seller to buyer with a grace period to update current codes if necessary.
• Delegates also supported the implementation of a dairy revitalization plan on both the state and federal level.

Energy and Transportation Policy

• Delegates supported preserving Wisconsin agriculture land for agricultural production.
• Delegates supported Wisconsin law requiring an Agricultural Impact Statement (AIS) to construct solar and wind projects.
• Delegates also supported requiring new solar projects to utilize brown fields, rooftops, and degraded lands or low yield, underutilized, or marginalized farmland.
• Delegates supported safety training for first responders around renewable energy sources.
• Delegates supported making biofuels (both diesel and gas) more accessible for use across the state.
• Delegates opposed farmland preservation tax credits to be claimed for land in solar energy projects unless it is an accessory use of the farm.

Other Policy Initiatives

• Delegates supported initiatives to expand access to affordable rural childcare.
• Delegates supported increased financial support for crop damage due to wildlife.
• Delegates supported the creation and state funding for the Wisconsin Office of Agricultural Tourism.
• Delegates reaffirmed support for a voluntary carbon credit market. Federal Policy
• Delegates supported easing Farm Service Agency Beginning Farmer Loan requirements for young farmers pursuing the purchase of a farm.
• Delegates supported increasing the weight limit of drones.

The federal resolutions will be forwarded to the American Farm Bureau Federation for consideration at its annual convention next month.

About the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general farm organization. Made up of 61 county Farm Bureaus, it represents farms of all sizes, commodities, and management styles.

Photo Credit: Wisconsin Farm Bureau