Wisconsin Governor Announces First Recipients of Dairy Grants
The following information was released by the office of the governor of Wisconsin:
Governor Scott Walker announced today the first recipients of the Grow Wisconsin Dairy Producer Grants. Grants totaling $200,000 have been awarded to 41 dairy farmers around the state to help them become more profitable and thereby contribute to the Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 Initiative goal of producing 30-billion pounds of milk by 2020.
"These grants, coupled with the required matching funds by farmers, will help improve the long term viability of Wisconsin's dairy industry," said Governor Walker. "The Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 Initiative is designed to focus on long-term, sustained dairy operations that increases profitability for farmers and increases milk production to meet the growing needs of Wisconsin dairy processors."
Wisconsin dairy farms currently produce only 90% of the milk volume needed by the state's dairy processors.
"Our cheese, butter and other dairy product businesses continue to expand and grow," explained Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel. "In spite of the milk supply trends nationwide, there is a demand locally for more quality fresh milk produced here in Wisconsin."
The grant money will be used for a variety of purposes such as consulting work on herd health and nutrition, planning design for a milking parlor and free stall barn on an organic dairyfarm or developing a long-term plan for the two generations of three families involved in the operation.
Since Governor Walker announced the Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 Initiative in March, more than 180 dairyfarmers have contacted the 855-WIDAIRY (855-943-2479) toll-free line or the GrowWisconsinDairy@wi.gov email address at DATCP looking for information on how to develop better business plans, where to find resources for modernization and expansion or how to improve profitability while transitioning the farm to the next generation.
Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30x20 is an ongoing program where dairyfarmers can get advice and referrals to resources that will help meet their needs and make their operations more productive.
