WFBF Applauds State Budget Passage

On July 5, Gov. Evers signed the $99 billion 2023-2025 State Budget into law.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation extended their appreciation to both the state legislature and Gov. Evers for the significant investments made in rural infrastructure and the prioritization of items important to agriculture in this budget.

The top priority for WFBF was the $150 million in funding for the newly-created Agricultural Road Improvement Program. This funding aims to address the longstanding issue of deteriorating roads in rural Wisconsin, improving the efficiency of transporting agricultural goods and reducing costs for farmers and consumers.

To further assess the state of rural infrastructure, the budget included $12.5 million to inventory local bridges and culverts measuring 20 feet or less, an essential step to enhance safe, efficient transportation in rural areas. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation currently maintains an inventory of longer bridges.

Recognizing the importance of the meat and dairy processing sectors, the state budget allocated $2 million for meat processor grants and $500,000 per year for grants to dairy processors. These grants aim to bolster the competitiveness of these industries and provide necessary support to the farmers supplying them.

Agricultural exports received a boost with a $2 million allocation for the Wisconsin Agricultural Export Promotion program, to extend opportunities for farmers to reach international markets and showcase their products globally.

Farmers' mental health also received attention in the budget, with an allocation of $100,000 per year. This funding will support the Wisconsin Farm Center in providing resources to address the mental well-being of farmers and rural families.

Supporting conservation efforts by Wisconsin farmers, the budget allotted $1.6 million for cover crop

By Jason Mugnaini

rebates and maintained funding for producer-led watershed protection grants. The budget also allocated $2 million for nitrogen optimization pilot program grants aiming to promote sustainable farming practices. Finally, the budget allocates $200,000 per year for Targeted Runoff Management grants supporting localized solutions to water quality challenges.

Addressing the pressing issue of PFAS contamination, the budget allocated $125 million to address and mitigate its impact. Legislation containing details as to how the funds will be used is still making its way through the legislature.

The budget also set aside $1 million in 2024-25 for well compensation and well abandonment grants. An additional $6.5 million was allocated for abatement grants to help control rural nonpoint source water pollution.

The Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium received an additional $70,000 per year in funding, helping to maintain the state's commitment to livestock traceability and disease control.

Wisconsin’s Agriculture in the Classroom program, operated by WFBF to help educate students about agriculture and its significance, saw an increase in funding with an additional $50,000 per year. Finally, $3 million was reallocated to fund the Food and Farm Exploration Center in Plover to provide educational opportunities and showcase the importance of agriculture in the region.

With the budget now signed, WFBF looks forward to working with the state agencies and Gov. Evers to ensure successful implementation of these programs and initiatives. The investments made in rural infrastructure and agriculture are expected to have a lasting and positive impact on Wisconsin's farming communities and rural families.