February 8, 2012

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Lobby day for farmers

February 6, 2012 By

Members of the agriculture industry descend upon Wisconsin’s Capital City this week for Ag Day at the Capitol this week to meet with their state representatives.

Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, says there are many questions about wolf management. “With the wolf being delisted — and legislation and the DNR looking to implement how to manage the wolf population in the state — it’d be an excellent time for farmers … to talk to their legislators about what’s going on.”

Zimmerman says another highlight at the annual gathering is the never-ending election season. He says Joe Murray, Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Realtors Association, is an expert on the history of elections and campaigns in Wisconsin. He’ll give keynote presentation on the current election climate in the Badger State. “We have redistricting taking place this year, historic recall of the governor taking place, along with open U.S. Senate seat, and a presidential election taking place, so we just thought it would be really good information for farmers across the state to get.”

Other big issues for the $60 billion industry include food security, trade, and the U.S. farm bill. Also on the docket are legislative issues such as wetlands, air emissions, and livestock siting. Jeff Lyon, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will also be a featured speaker.

One in ten jobs in Wisconsin is related to agriculture.

Ag Day at the Capitol is Wednesday, February 8th at the Monona Terrace.

AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report 1:42

Filed Under: Agriculture, News, Politics & Government

Curtailing kids work on farms

January 28, 2012 By

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is warning about ongoing federal regulatory “creep,” including updates to agriculture labor laws for people under 18.

Spokesman Casey Langan says the proposed rule changes will “drastically reduce the amount of work that youth can do on farms.” The Bureau is concerned the proposals will make managing family farms more difficult.

Among the proposed regulations is restricting the operation of power-driven machines to those 16 and older.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has defended the proposals. He’s argues that, while only 4-percent of working youth are in the farming sector, 40-percent of the fatalities among working kids are associated with machines, equipment, or facilities related to agriculture.

AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:01)

Filed Under: Agriculture, News

Farmer in court draws raw milk rally

January 12, 2012 By

A southern Wisconsin farmer is free on a signature bond, after he appeared in court for not having state licenses at the dairy where he sells raw milk.

State agriculture officials have tried for some time to get Vernon Hershberger of Loganville to stop selling unpasteurized milk. He faces four misdemeanor charges in Sauk County of not being licensed for a dairy plant, a milk producer, and a retail eatery. He’s also charged with violating state food holding orders. He says no licenses exist to let him sell raw milk, and that’s why he doesn’t have them.

John Peck, Executive Director of Family Farm Defenders, was among the dozens who rallied at the courthouse in support of the Hershberger. He says Hershberger does not sell to the general public but rather through a buying club that is equivalent to members being “shareholders.”

AUDIO: Peck taking issue with current state law (:25)

In 2010, then-Governor Jim Doyle vetoed a bill that would have legalized raw milk sales. Supporters say raw milk is healthier than the pasteurized product. But opponents say drinking raw milk increases the risk of getting salmonella or E-coli bacteria — and just one case could threaten Wisconsin’s worldwide reputation as America’s Dairyland.

Hershberger has not entered pleas to his new charges. He’s due back in court January 30th.

Filed Under: Agriculture, Crime & Courts, News

Panel to hear repeal on phosphorus ban

January 10, 2012 By

A proposal to roll back a ban on displaying fertilizers with phosphorus get a hearing today. The ban is a result of bipartisan legislation passed last legislative session which requires retailers to keep the product in the back.

The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters is opposing AB 165 saying runoff from the chemical leads to algae-choked, stinky lakes. “It goes a long way to deter tourism we’ve worked so hard to attract from Illinois and other parts of the country,” says Program Director Anne Sayers.

The bill would allow retailers to display phosphorus fertilizers but require a sign specifying legal guidelines for use of the chemical. Phosphorus can only be applied to grass in special circumstances such as commercial use.

But the League is concerned these circumstance can lead to confusion and “may result in people accidentally buying it for use on their own lawns.”

The state Senate Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education Committee is taking up the bill.

 

Filed Under: Agriculture, Environment & Conservation, News

Securing food for the future

December 30, 2011 By

The access and availability of food is a looming issue that needs to be addressed, so says the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. Spokesman Casey Langan said in the next 50 years the world will need to produce double the amount of food it does today.

Langan said that’s why the state needs to be investing in the next generation of farmers by supporting related programs within high school, university and university extension levels. 

The group says research shows the general public is not concerned of the issue of food security.

“During a time of economic distress they’re probably more concerned about paying for their own grocery bill,” said Langan. “But that doesn’t wash away this big issue of food security we face in the world.”

Technological advances in farming are a key in food security because “they’re not making any more land.”

Filed Under: Agriculture, News
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