Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, alongside Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski, has announced plans to invest more than $80 million in his 2025-27 Executive Budget. This investment aims to support Wisconsin farmers, processors, and the state’s $116 billion agricultural industry, including initiatives specifically benefiting beef producers.
Key Investments for Wisconsin’s Beef Industry
The proposed budget includes targeted programs to enhance resilience, efficiency, and economic growth for beef producers:
- Expanding Farmland Preservation: Expanding funding for farmland preservation and increasing the cap on Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs) from 2 million to 3 million acres to protect agricultural land.
- Beef Processing Expansion: Additional funding for the Meat Processor Grant Program to strengthen Wisconsin’s meat supply chain, supporting local processors and ensuring market access for beef producers.
- Farmer Mental Health Support: Doubling the current funding for farmer mental health programs, including crisis helplines, virtual counseling, and wellness initiatives.
- Beef Market Expansion: Additional resources for the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports to help beef producers expand into new markets and grow export opportunities.
- Wildlife Damage Prevention: $3.7 million to reimburse farmers for seed treatment costs to mitigate losses from wildlife, such as Sandhill Cranes, that impact feed crop availability for beef operations.
Strengthening the Supply Chain and Food Security
To ensure a robust food system and support beef producers, the budget proposes:
- $30 million for the Food Security Initiative: A program that connects local farmers with food banks, increasing demand for Wisconsin-raised beef and other products.
- Workforce Development: Continued funding for the Meat Talent Development Program to train and attract workers for meat processing, ensuring a stable workforce for beef processing facilities.
- $1.6 million in additional funding for the Meat Processor Grant Program: Supporting expansion, equipment upgrades, and increased processing capacity to enhance the state’s beef processing infrastructure.
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
Recognizing the role of beef producers in environmental sustainability, the budget includes:
- $10 million for soil and water conservation: Supporting land management practices that protect natural resources while maintaining productive pastures.
- $500,000 for biodigester development: Helping farmers implement biodigesters to manage manure efficiently and reduce emissions.
- $1 million for a Transition to Grass Program: Supporting livestock producers who adopt managed grazing systems to improve soil health, reduce runoff, and enhance pasture-based beef production.
Addressing Water Quality and PFAS Concerns
The proposal also includes over $145 million to address PFAS contamination, ensuring safe water access for farmers and rural communities. Investments will assist in PFAS remediation and protect landowners from cleanup costs due to contaminated biosolids.
Gov. Evers’ budget aims to sustain and grow Wisconsin’s beef industry by supporting producers, strengthening supply chains, and promoting environmental stewardship.
