The Dairy Business Association is pushing several state-level initiatives to support farmers and improve natural resources in Wisconsin, according to Executive Director Chad Zuleger.
He says one priority is a proposed grazing initiative paired with expanded beef-on-dairy efforts.
“A grazing initiative is a small investment to really promote that method of farming, which has water quality benefits, land use benefits, and really promotes additional revenue streams for dairy farms,” Zuleger explains.
The proposal establishes a $1 million grant program over a 2-year cycle that provides three years of grants for initial setup. This can include fencing, water lines, and technical assistance. Zuleger says the goal is to give an opportunity to keep more cows on the land here in Wisconsin.
Zuleger says lawmakers’ offices are buzzing as the association works with agriculture committees on dairy and conservation priorities. He notes the group continues to counter reports that “unfairly” blame agriculture for nitrate issues.
“We are really science-focused,” he says, adding that farmers have been leaning in for generations to improve water quality.
DBA is also expanding its local engagement. Zuleger says the association now has a community relations manager to work with towns and counties amid new ordinances and moratoriums.
“The biggest thing we do is try to bring farmers to the table,” he says. “If we bring town and county officials together with farmers, solutions can be found.”
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