News

New Wisconsin laws allow heavier dairy tankers, tax exemptions for Evansville and Stevens Point

Wisconsin’s law just changed allowing tanker drivers to haul any liquid dairy product with a gross vehicle weight of up to 98,000 pounds over six axles. 

The old law allowed truckers to haul only milk up to that weight.  Most trucks are restricted to 80,000 pounds.

The change in the law allows more efficient movement of products like liquid whey to drying facilities to make whey powder and whey protein concentrate.  Liquid whey is typically hauled from cheese plants to other facilities for drying.

The bill authored by Senator Joan Ballweg and Representative Tony Kurtz will allow dairy processors to save fuel, water, and resources.  Scott Potts from BelGioioso Cheese says the change will reduce their fuel use by 29,000 gallons per year and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 258 metric tons per year.  Dave Buholzer from Kondike Cheese Company says they will be able to use fewer tankers, which reduces their water usage.

The new law was promoted by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association, Cooperative Network, Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin Dairy Products Association, Wisconsin Farmers Union, and Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association. 

Governor Tony Evers also signed two bills authorizing exemptions to tax incremental financing district rules for Evansville and Stevens Point to allow for new agricultural developments being planned.  Evansville is working with CHS, finalizing plans for a 700-million dollar soybean crushing facility.  Stevens Point is working to secure a new 40-million dollar potato processing facility for Agristo.