Dairy Business Association applauds Gov. Evers DATCP budget announcement

MADISON, Wis. — The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, applauds Gov. Tony Evers for his state budget proposal to fund the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The 2025-27 Executive Budget will be announced later this month and is set to include a number of key investments in support of Wisconsin’s agricultural community, including additional funding for the state’s Producer-Led Watershed Protection grant program.

The additional $1 million in funding for this DATCP program helps support farmer-led conservation groups and their efforts to improve local soil health and water quality through sustainable farming practices.

“At DBA, we have a long history of supporting producers in their farmer-led group conservation efforts to improve their environment and surrounding communities, and we’re pleased to see this program continue to be a focus heading into 2025,” Chad Zuleger, DBA director of government affairs, said.

Other highlights from Gov. Evers budget proposal include:

• Rural transportation infrastructure – $150 million for infrastructure projects supporting Wisconsin’s farmers and agricultural industries through the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program.
• Clean water efforts – $1.2 million to increase funding for the Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Program, helping farmers determine optimal nitrogen application rates and reduce run-off.
• Dairy and Meat Processing capacity – Long-term investments to bolster critical processing capacity. $1.2 million increase in Dairy Processor grants and $1.6 million increase in Meat Processing grants.
• Dairy Exports Program – An ongoing commitment to promote and expand markets for dairy exports.

Read more information about the Governor’s 2025-27 Executive Budget and the more than $80 million proposed investments in the state agricultural community here.

These budget investments align closely with DBA’s current policy and budget priorities.

“We’re encouraged to see the governor’s support for Wisconsin’s agricultural communities in the DATCP budget,” Zuleger said. “Farmers are the backbone and drivers of the state’s economy. Many of the provisions highlighted in the governor’s proposal have previously earned bipartisan support in the legislature as continuing advancements in the industry.”

For more information about DBA’s current policy priorities, visit dairyforward.com.