MADISON – On March 26, approximately 400 farmers and agriculturists gathered at the Monona Terrace in Madison for Ag Day at the Capitol.
Ag Day at the Capitol is the largest advocacy day for Wisconsin farmers and agriculturists, bringing together a variety of farm groups to learn more about state issues affecting agriculture and meet with their state legislators.
Attendees were welcomed by Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Brad Olson and listened to remarks from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski. Sec. Romanski shared why it’s important to head to the Capitol with ideas on what can be done to positively impact the future of agriculture.
“There is a whole lot more that we agree on than we disagree on, here in this room and at the Capitol,” said Sec. Romanski. “Identify what your priorities are and tell them what you need and then it’s up to the folks in that building to get to ‘yes’.
Following the Sec. Romanski’s remarks, Brian Reisinger, author of Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family’s Hope and Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer, delivered his keynote speech. Complimentary copies of Reisinger’s book were distributed to 200 attendees. Reisinger shared his family’s personal farm stories and his thoughts on the persistence and dedication of rural communities, themes that are central to his book.
“That resilience of farm families is what gives me hope. There are a lot of challenges out there but there are also a lot of opportunities,” said Reisinger. “Imagine what we can do if we can make farming work for farm families again.”
The afternoon program featured a state budget overview by Sen. Howard Marklein and an in-depth discussion of legislative priorities led by WFBF’s Executive Director of Government Relations Jason Mugnaini.
Green County Farm Bureau president and farmer Eric Wuthrich gave tips to first time attendees and shared why taking time for advocacy matters.
“No matter your role in agriculture, whether you farm, work in agribusiness or simply care about the future of our industry, your voice matters,” shared Wuthrich. “Today is your opportunity to make an impact. Be confident, be passionate and share your story with those who shape the policies that affect us all. Because when we speak up together, we ensure a strong future for agriculture.”
The program concluded with closing remarks from Sen. Pat Testin and Rep. Clint Moses and a citation awarded from the state agriculture committees for WFBF’s recent Pinnacle Award and New Horizon Award from American Farm Bureau.
Following the remarks, attendees walked to the Capitol to meet with their legislators and explore the new Agriculture Showcase on the Capitol Square. The showcase was a public educational exhibit with farm equipment, dairy calves, free cheese samples and more. Inside the Capitol Rotunda, attendees explored Farm Bureau spotlight booths, connected with Wisconsin Ag Coalition partners and tested their skills with a hydraulic sprayer simulator, an interactive video game-like experience.
Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK Inc. are major sponsors of the event. Co-sponsors of the event, with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, include the AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Compeer Financial, Dairy Business Association, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Syngenta, Wisconsin Biofuels Association, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association.
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