By Blake Jackson
The 2025-27 Wisconsin state biennial budget has officially been passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has expressed its appreciation for the collaborative work of lawmakers and the governor in securing critical investments for agriculture through this budget.
This biennium budget continues to prioritize agriculture, with increased funding supporting rural infrastructure, on-farm conservation, value-added processing, industry innovation, and mental health services for farmers.
One major provision is the reauthorization of the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), with $150 million allocated to repair and upgrade farm roads and rural bridges. This initiative is essential for maintaining a dependable transportation network vital to Wisconsin’s agriculture.
In the previous budget cycle, the program funded 92 local road projects, enhancing infrastructure that supports the movement of over 15 million tons of agricultural goods annually. These improvements play a key role in sustaining Wisconsin’s $12 billion farming and forestry sectors.
“Passing the state budget and reauthorizing ARIP was a must for Wisconsin agriculture. Farmers rely on these rural roads to move products, access markets, and operate efficiently," said Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson. "We greatly appreciate the work of Sen. Howard Marklein, Rep. Travis Tranel, members of the Joint Finance Committee and legislative leaders for their work prioritizing ARIP and investing in many other important agricultural programs to support Wisconsin’s rural economy.”
The budget supports a wide range of programs that benefit farmers across the state, including:
- $1.2 million for the Dairy Processing Grant Program
- $1.6 million for Meat Processor Grants
- $2 million for Producer-led Watershed Protection Grants
- $1.6 million for Cover Crop Insurance Premium Rebates
- $2 million for the Nitrogen Optimization Grant Program
- $100,000 for Farm Center Mental Health Vouchers
- Nearly $30 million for County Conservation Staff
- $10 million for the Food Security Grant Program
- $500,000 for the CDL Driver Training Grant Program
- Three new positions for DATCP’s Division of Animal Health
A late budget amendment also included $20 million for a new Dairy Cattle Innovation Program, with details to be finalized in upcoming legislative sessions.
“These investments recognize the breadth and significance of Wisconsin’s $116 billion agricultural economy, which supports one in nine jobs across the state,” Olson added.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sinartcreative
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy