Special Report
Secretary Brancel talks drought, trade and the siting law
The drought in central and southern Wisconsin is certainly on the mind of Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Ben Brancel. He says while the department is limited in what it can do, they can help direct those in need to the right people. Brancel says the biggest challenge is facing livestock producers who need to find feed.
Beyond that, the Secretary says the ethanol industry is cutting-back tremendously due to high corn prices and low oil prices so that means fewer distillers grains for the feed supply as well.
Brancel has been actively working to increase Wisconsin’s agricultural exports with trade missions to China and Vietnam earlier this year, while exports may be trimmed due to reduced production in the short term, in the long term he is confident Wisconsin farm production will bounce back and the export market will grow.
The Wisconsin State Supreme Court ruled last week that local municipalities cannot exceed state standards when permitting a livestock operation. The ruling basically upholds the State’s Livestock Facilities Siting rule and State Ag Secretary Ben Brancel says that should close the book on challenges to the law.
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