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Wisconsin farmers meet with lawmakers

Farmers from many organizations were in Madison Wednesday to lobby for the legislation important to their operations. 

Farmers were briefed on several bills currently before the State Assembly and Senate before visiting with lawmakers.  A panel of lawmakers also talked about some of the legislation they say Wisconsin needs to help rural Wisconsin. 

Representative Travis Tranel is also a farmer and says the bill that would create a carbon credit program under the state’s ag department would help. “As a farmer, I can say that I am completely overwhelmed by everything that I am reading in terms of what we are going to be asked and required to do when it comes to the environment moving forward, and the best example that I’ve heard to explain what that bill did that we passed was essentially create a Kelley Blue Book for carbon.”

Representative Tony Kurtz says labor remains a problem and the federal government has only kicked the can on immigration and labor issues.  He supports a border wall but, “Colorado did legalize marijuana in opposition of the federal government. What would stop a state from coming up with some type of immigration.”

Lawmakers and farmers also discussed other issues including dairy labeling, milk hauling permits, shared revenue, and rural child care.

Ag Day at the Capitol was held Wednesday in Madison.