WCA and Legislative Action
The Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association (WCA) is the voice of the Wisconsin Cattle Producer.
Through our legislative efforts in Madison, we continue to represent and protect the beef producer's best interests. We work closely with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association to stay informed of national issues that will affect Wisconsin beef producers. Our membership and Board of Directors work daily to keep beef demand strong in Wisconsin and the country.
Investing in the WCA
We are excited to share our legislative key wins that reinforce the impact the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association has on the industry. Please use these materials during membership conversations, producer meetings, events, and more. For printed copies of these materials, reach out to the Wisconsin Cattlemen's office at [email protected].
Wisconsin Legislative Update
By Jordan Lamb, The Welch Group
Wolf Population Legislation Approved by Assembly Committee
On Nov 16, 2023, the Assembly Sporting Heritage Committee approved 7-4 along party lines AB 137, a bill to require DNR to set a statewide population goal in its wolf management plan. The Natural Resources Board last month approved a plan that eliminated the previous 350-wolf goal in favor of one focused on adapting to changing populations in different areas of the state. State law requires an annual wolf hunt, but wolves are currently on the endangered species list, barring a hunt for now. The Senate passed the bill 22-10 along party lines last month. The bill is available for scheduling for debate by the full Assembly in January.
Farm Bureau Health Plan Legislation Drafted
Representatives Kurtz, Moses and Dittrich and Senator Testin have drafted legislation to allow the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) to help address the cost of health coverage and improve access to more affordable health care for WFBF members. The bill creates an exemption from state insurance regulations to allow Farm Bureau Health Plans to provide benefits to individuals who may lack employer-sponsored coverage or who may not typically be eligible for federal incentives under the Affordable Care Act. This legislation would allow WFBF to offer a health benefit plan like other association plans and self-insured businesses who offer coverage in Wisconsin. Currently, several other states including IA, TN, KS, IN, SD, and TX Farm Bureaus offer health benefit plans. The bill is circulating for cosponsors through December 8, 2023.
Assembly Ag Committee Holds Hearing on Foreign Land Ownership Bill
The Assembly Ag Committee heard testimony on November 21 on AB 349, authored by Rep. Plumber and Sen. Stafsholt, which would reduce the maximum amount of agricultural or forestry land that foreigners can acquire, own or hold in the state. The current cap is 640 acres. Under this bill, that maximum would be reduced to 50 acres and the exemptions for mining, energy projects and other industrial developments would also be eliminated. Representative Plumber, the Assembly author, testified in support of the bill. The author's testimony focused on threats to national security related to land purchases near military installations in AZ, TX, and CA. He cited land purchases in the United States by countries such as China and added events like the COVID-19 pandemic and wars in Israel and Ukraine highlight flaws in the global economy and the U.S.’s increased dependence on foreign governments. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, the Wisconsin Realtors Association, the Michael Fields Institute, CropLife America and the Wisconsin Paper Council all testified against the legislation. The focus was on preserving agricultural land, maintaining land prices, preventing loss of research acres, preserving European investment in Wisconsin papermaking, and ensuring that realtors are not violating the Federal Fair Housing Act. Numerous Ag groups also registered their opposition at the hearing. The Committee Chairman directed the parties to work with the authors to see if an amendment agreement could be reached.
Wisconsin Dem Lawmakers Introduce Package of Bills to Help Farmers
Democratic Wisconsin lawmakers, led by Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), introduced a new package of bills that would support Wisconsin agriculture. Most of the bills are introductions of initiatives that Governor Evers included in his version of the 2023-25 biennial budget but were not kept in the budget bill by the Republican-led legislature. The package includes a bill that would require and provide funding for the Department of Health Services to ensure that farmers and farmers markets have the equipment to accept EBT and credit and debit cards. Other bills in the package would provide funding for meat processor grants, assist farmer mental health programs, and support the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports.
Raw Milk Bill is Circulating for Co-sponsorship
Under current law, the sale of unpasteurized milk and other dairy products is prohibited in Wisconsin except for “incidental” on-farm sales. New legislation authored by Rep. Elijah Behnke (R-Oconto) and Sen. Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) would allow a milk producer to obtain a license from DATCP to sell unpasteurized dairy products processed on farm premises to consumers through delivery, a retail store or directly from the farm. Similar legislation was introduced 13 years ago and was vetoed by then Governor Jim Doyle (D).
DATCP Cover Crop Insurance Premium Rebate Application Period Opened Dec 1
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) opened the application period for crop insurance premium rebates on December 1, 2023. There is $800,000, or 160,000 acres of coverage, that will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Recipients will receive a $5 per acre rebate on their summer 2024 crop insurance premium for acres that were planted with cover crops in 2023, then planted with an insurable crop the following year.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has opened submissions for grants to Wisconsin farmers for Commercial Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) research projects. Grant applications are open through January 31, 2024, but preapproval of all research project designs must be submitted to UW by December 15, 2023. Wisconsin has made $1 million available for this round of NOPP grants. Under the program, multiple agricultural producers may work together, or with cooperating entities, to submit a single application. Each agricultural producer who is part of the application is eligible to receive a maximum award of $40,000 for the project. In addition, a grant will also be made to UW for project monitoring, research, and outreach assistance.
Positions on the Issues
Learn more about the issues and where WCA stands in order to protect the best interests of the beef industry on state and national levels.
2021-23 Biennial Budget Summary
On July 8, 2021, Governor Evers signed the 2021-23 biennial budget bill. The bill provides for approximately $88 billion in spending for the State of Wisconsin over the next two fiscal years.
Have questions or comments about any of our Legislative Efforts?
Email Rachel Harmann or call 920-255-6920. We would love to hear from you!