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WFB President urges lawmakers to move on MPP repairs

Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Jim Holte says it’s time for Washington lawmakers to start talking about Dairy Margin Protection Program changes. “While dairy is more of a national issue, we’re very concerned about things that impact the dairy industry and how they’ll be able to go forward with some form of the pricing program that was in place last year.”  The MPP has

been widely criticized for high premiums and low payouts.

Holte tells Brownfield MPP needs adjustments but NOT a replacement. “I think the basis of the program, the concept of it was probably well-devised and well thought out.  We certainly need to make some changes so it works more appropriately.”

Holte is also pleased to see quick action in Washington on a bill to take wolves off the endangered species list. “We’ve been strong proponents of our state and allowing our state DNR (Department of Natural Resources) to manage the wolf issue here in the state.  There’s other people in other states that feel the same way that that needs to move forward.  I’m very happy to see both of our U.S. Senators come together and support a bill to do just that.”

Holte says water quality and accessibility legislation is important at the state level in Wisconsin.

Brownfield interviewed Holte at the Dairy Strong Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.