U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin toured the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station (MARS) on Wednesday August 9th. Senator Baldwin secured 6 million in federal funding, helping expand the facility and supporting researchers and the Wisconsin agricultural community. Newly funded projects through the Baldwin-supported Wisconsin Rural Partnership initiative at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were also highlighted.
“We rely on our farmers, ranchers, and producers to put food on our tables and fuel in our tanks, and we need to ensure they have the tools and resources to weather the storms and keep their farms up and running,” said Senator Baldwin. “The Marshfield Ag Research Station has been at the forefront of much of the research that our dairy farmers have relied on for more than a century, supplying our agriculture sector with knowledge and tools they need to keep their operations in businesses. That’s why I am proud to have secured $6 million in federal funds for the Marshfield Ag Research Station to expand its research capabilities and help equip Wisconsin farmers with the best practices to keep their businesses open and thriving.”
MARS was established in 1912 and is home to the nation’s premier dairy heifer research facilities. Research focuses at the station include several areas. Focuses are dairy replacement heifer rearing and management, soil and water conservation farming practices, perennial crops, and nutrient management. A hundred acres supporting the crop research program for university and USDA scientists. Senator Baldwin secured $6 million in last year’s funding legislation for the construction and expansion of the facilities at MARS. At the time she was serving as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations. This investment will help finish the original station plan which remains incomplete. This includes permanent office space, restrooms, facilities for 24-hour animal studies, and indoor meeting space for stakeholders and community groups.
The Wisconsin Rural Partnership initiative also announced funding for four projects that will support rural communities and tribal nations. Senator Baldwin worked to establish the Institutes for Rural Partnership. Senator Baldwin secured $30 million in the Fiscal Year 2022 federal funding bill to establish three centers across the country. One of the centers is at UW-Madison. The goals include supporting community-based projects, and creating new partnerships to better meet the needs of rural communities.