Wisconsin Farmers Engage in Productive Farm Bill Discussion

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

A farm bill listening session was held in La Crosse, Wisconsin on August 16th. The event was attended by U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, House Committee on Agriculture chairman Rep. Glenn Thompson, and Sen. Ron Johnson.

Van Orden, who represents Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district, said that he is an "all-of-the-above" guy when it comes to agriculture. He highlighted the state's dairy industry, cranberry production, and organic farming.

Thompson said that the listening session was one of nearly 70 he has held in 32 states over the past two and a half years. He said that the most common feedback he has received is the importance of protecting crop insurance.

Julie Keown-Bomar, executive director of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, said that dairy farmers in Wisconsin are struggling. She called for major dairy reform in the next farm bill, including mechanisms to control and manage growth.

Thompson said that he is a reluctant supporter of supply management, but that he is open to considering it. He also said that he is a co-sponsor of a bill that would revise requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program. The bill would allow schools to serve whole and 2% milk again.

Jim Bible, a cranberry grower from Wisconsin, asked Thompson and Van Orden about the future of the Cranberry Research Station. Thompson said that he supports continued funding for the station. Van Orden assured Bible that an increase in funding for the station is included in the 2024 ag appropriations bill.

Thompson said that Wisconsin is a great place for agriculture because of its cheese curds and cranberries. He said that he hopes to continue working with farmers in Wisconsin to make the state a leader in agriculture.

The farm bill listening session was a chance for farmers and advocates to share their thoughts on the next farm bill. The event was well-attended and productive. It is clear that farmers in Wisconsin are passionate about agriculture and that they are eager to work with policymakers to create a farm bill that benefits their businesses.