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
