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Wisconsin lawmakers introduce Dairy Innovation Hub proposal

The Executive Director of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin says expanding research with a new Dairy Innovation Hub is vital to the industry. Shelly Mayer tells Brownfield, “I think it is the most important and most critical thing that the State of Wisconsin can do right now for the dairy industry.”

Mayer also serves on the state’s Dairy Task Force, where the Dairy Innovation Hub received unanimous support. “Dairy farmers (are) recognizing things that need to happen for our industry to maintain a leadership around the world and to really be a sustainable and thriving sector here for Wisconsin.”

Wisconsin’s Senate formally introduced legislation Wednesday that would create a Dairy Innovation Hub within the University of Wisconsin campuses at Madison, River Falls, and Platteville. 

The bill calls for 7-point-9 million dollars annually to fund staff, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure animal health and welfare, enrich human health and nutrition, steward land and water resources, and grow farm businesses and communities.

Seven State Senators and twenty-one Representatives, all Republicans, back the bill, which was formally introduced at the Capitol Wednesday morning.