By Blake Jackson
More than 80 family farmers and rural advocates traveled to Madison on January 14 to take part in the Wisconsin Farmers Union’s annual Farm & Rural Lobby Day.
The event brought together members from across the state to engage directly with lawmakers and advocate for priorities established at the organization’s state convention held in Wisconsin Dells in December 2025.
Throughout the day, participants met with legislators to discuss a wide range of issues impacting rural communities, including dairy policy, agricultural consolidation, rural economic development, immigration, healthcare access, and conservation.
A key focus was support for the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit (SB 723/AB 721), which would create a 5% income tax credit for beginning farmers purchasing assets from retiring farmers, as well as for established farmers who sell those assets.
Members also voiced support for legislation (SB 560/AB 554) that would require clear labeling for lab-grown food products.
WFU members raised concerns about proposed Cottage Food legislation (SB 739/AB 748), arguing that it would impose unfair and arbitrary limits on home-based baked-goods businesses.
Additionally, the organization reaffirmed its opposition to Alternative Agricultural Health Benefit Plans (SB 450/AB 448), citing concerns that such plans would weaken the insurance risk pool, increase premiums, and exclude individuals with pre-existing conditions, including many older farmers.
“The Farm and Rural Lobby Day is an inspiring opportunity to see democracy in action,” Wisconsin Farmers Union Government Relations Director, Michelle Ramirez-White, said.
“Not only is this event an opportunity for WIsconsin legislators to meet the hardworking farmers of our state, but it also gives WFU members a chance to make change in their rural communities.”
Before attending more than 50 legislative meetings, participants heard remarks from Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul on antitrust enforcement. Additional perspectives were shared by speakers from the Wisconsin Cottage Food Association, Kids Forward, and Voces de la Frontera. Governor Tony Evers also welcomed the group, emphasizing the essential role family farmers play in the state.
“Regardless of what happens in Washington, here in America’s Dairyland, we’re going to keep fighting for Wisconsin farmers and producers and their families because Wisconsin’s agricultural industry isn’t just core to our economy, it’s core to our culture, core to our heritage, and who we are as a state,” Evers said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy