Wisconsin Ag Secretary, Ben Brancel, is continuing to work with dairy processors in an effort to find new homes for milk that will be displaced as of May 1st. In a statement from Brancel Monday, he noted that some dairy processors have found a way to add more milk to their operations – ultimately giving approximately 8 dairies a new lease on dairy life.
Brancel issued the statement following the news that Mullins Cheese or Mosinee had added some of the displaced dairy farmers to its plant:
“Thank you to Mullins Cheese and several other milk handlers that have taken on impacted farmers. I commend you for stepping up and doing your part to help Wisconsin’s dairy farm family. Taking on even one farm helps.
“I strongly encourage other dairy processors to consider how they can be part of the solution. Dozens of Wisconsin farm families still have less than two weeks to find a home for their milk before they will be forced to go out of the dairy business, losing not only their job but their livelihood.
“I am asking, please, that dairy processors think through how they can handle this extra milk in the short-term in order to sustain the long-term success of Wisconsin’s dairy industry,” said Brancel.
DATCP’s Wisconsin Farm Center continues to work with farmers and dairy processors daily. Farmers are encouraged to contact the Farm Center at 1-800-942-2474 for assistance including financial consultation, transition planning and conflict mediation.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation along with Dairy Girl Network are also trying to mobilize the consuming public through social media and their own consumption. Wisconsin Farm Bureau is suggesting that people donate dairy products to their local food pantry, or make a monetary donation to purchase dairy goods. Dairy Girl Network is asking all dairy producers to ask their milk partner if they can find a way to add more milk to their system – and are also encouraging local dairy donations.
