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.”

A major dairy farm operation in Rock County begins welcoming its first milk cows today. About 500 cows will be moving into their new home at the Rock Prairie Dairy in Bradford Township, the first of about 2,000 cows that will be at the facility by the end of the month.

Owner Todd Tuls says it’s good to finally have farm operations getting underway. The $30 million project was approved earlier this year, with construction starting over the summer. Wednesday will be the first day of full operations.

AUDIO: Todd Tuls (:13)

Tuls says some non-milk producing cows were moved in weeks ago to “take the shine” off the farm, reducing the chances of the new cows “getting spooked.”

At peak production, the farm will be milking 5,200 cows each day.

Beth Wheelock, WCLO