By Blake Jackson
Over fifty passionate voices filled the halls of Madison on January 17th as Wisconsin Farmers Union held its annual Farm & Rural Lobby Day. Members, representing the heart of the state's agricultural communities, came together to advocate for their top priorities, directly reaching the ears of their elected officials.
Clean water and conservation, rural development, affordable healthcare, nutritious food access, and dairy policy resonated through the event. Darin Von Ruden, WFU President, stressed the significance of this collective effort: "Farm & Rural Lobby Day allows Farmers Union members from across the state to come together and voice their concerns and solutions directly with our representatives."
Governor Evers welcomed the group, outlining the state's recent initiatives like road improvements, support for meat processing and watershed programs, and investments in the Dairy Innovation Hub and research centers. He pledged continued commitment, declaring, "We'll ensure farmers, families, and rural communities have the tools and resources they need to thrive, making Wisconsin a national agricultural leader for generations."
Mike Strigel, Assistant Deputy Secretary of DATCP, acknowledged the Farmers Union's crucial role in the Governor's Climate Change Task Force, watershed groups, and the WI-LFPA program, bridging the gap between farmers and those needing nutritious food.
Senator Smith urged action on food waste and county conservation staffing, while Dr. Craig of Citizen Action shed light on crucial healthcare issues.
The spirit of advocacy didn't end in Madison. Scholarships await first-time attendees of the National Farmers Union Fly-In in September, where hundreds of farmers will unite in Washington D.C. The fight for their priorities continues at the National Farmers Union Convention in March, ensuring their voices echo across the nation. Learn more at www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy