Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

serving the state of wisconsin since 1839

DATCP works to assure safe food, healthy people, animals, plants and environment, vibrant agriculture and fair business practices.

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News Releases

  Manure Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast Available Online
February 21, 2012
At this time of year, when spreading manure can pose a risk to Wisconsin's waters, farmers have a new online tool to help them out -- a mapping system that shows them high-risk fields using soil and weather data.


Grants Available for Grazing Assistance and Education
February 21, 2012

At a time when more and more farmers are turning to grazing, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced the availability of competitive grants to support grazing technical assistance and education to farmers. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, 22% of all dairy farmers and 42% of all beef farmers use management intensive grazing on their operations.



Public Meetings to Discuss 2012 Gypsy Moth Treatment Plan
February 20, 2012
Public meetings will be held in early March in Mineral Point, Eau Claire, Rice Lake and Superior to present the 2012 gypsy moth treatment plan coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's Slow the Spread Program.

Last Chance to Apply for Governor's Export Awards
February 17, 2012

With the deadline only days away, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding companies to apply for the Governor's Export Achievement Awards. Any agricultural, forestry, industrial, high technology or service enterprise successfully engaging in or assisting with the export of Wisconsin-origin products or services can be nominated. Self-nominations are encouraged.



Specialty Crop Block Grant Workshops Offered
February 17, 2012

Completing a grant application can be daunting. To ease the process, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is offering workshops across the state to assist non-profit organizations, producer groups, government agencies, universities and other agricultural entities in completing the Specialty Crop Block Grant application.



Egg Producers: Learn about New Inspection Rule at March 1 Meeting
February 17, 2012
A March 1 meeting will give Wisconsin's egg producers a chance to learn what  new FDA requirements mean for them. 

Castle Rock Dairy Warns of Unpasteurized Milk
February 17, 2012
An Osseo on-farm dairy warns consumers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois about milk it sold that may not have been properly pasteurized, meaning it could cause illness.

That's A Lot of Cabbage
February 16, 2012
A Prairie du Chien third-grader turned a cabbage plant into $1,000 -- not by magic, but by winning a prize for the colossal cabbage he grew. Contest sponsor Bonnie Plants awarded him a scholarship. Austin Mezera collected his prize and congratulations Thursday.

Why Ag Launch Set for Feb. 22-24 in Madison
February 15, 2012

The Why Ag Initiative is a groundbreaking statewide initiative that will be launched during the 2012 Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) Conference, Feb. 22-24, 2012 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wis.



Record 2011 Wisconsin Ag Exports
February 13, 2012

Governor Scott Walker announced today that Wisconsin agricultural exports reached a record high in 2011 with a total value of $2.85 billion. This is an 18-percent increase in the state’s agricultural exports in 2011 over 2010.



Online Dating Services May Promise “Love in the Air,” but be Aware
February 8, 2012
Valentine’s Day is around the corner and love is in the air, but if you are searching online for a potential mate, know that scammers may be on the same sites searching for you…and your money.


Make an Impact on the Future of Organic Agriculture
February 7, 2012

Are you interested in the future of organic agriculture in Wisconsin and are willing to do your part to help it grow? If so, the nomination period is now open for four seats on the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council. Nominations must be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by Monday, March 19, 2012.



February is National Potato Lover's Month
February 6, 2012

February isn’t just for valentines, chocolates and flowers. It is for potatoes too!  Katie Wirkus, the 64th Alice in Dairyland of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association have kicked-off February by promoting National Potato Lover’s Month.



FBI Warns New Cyber Scam Could Mean “Gameover”
February 3, 2012
If you fall victim to the latest cyber scam, it may be “game over” for your banking account.


Top Ten Consumer Complaints of 2011
February 1, 2012

The nation’s fastest growing crime is now the source of Wisconsin’s fastest rising group of consumer complaints. Making its first appearance on the annual top ten chart, identity theft ranks fifth in the “Top Ten Consumer Complaints of 2011” list released today by DATCP.



Bourie and Deer Farmers Weather the CWD Storm
February 1, 2012

In January 2004, Wisconsin's farm-raised deer industry was just over a year into the chronic wasting disease battle.  Deer hunters were pointing fingers at deer farms, deer farmers were resisting new regulations, and efforts to fight CWD on farms were landing in court.


Businesses Urged to Consider Their Data Privacy Practices
January 27, 2012

You double check to make sure you have your wallet, ID and credit cards in your pocket as you leave a store with a new purchase. But do you realize you have already left a chunk of personal data at the register?


"Quick" Tax Refunds May Be Costly Loans
January 26, 2012

If a W-2 is waiting in your mailbox, you probably want to get your hands on your tax refund as quickly as possible. If you are thinking about taking advantage of an advertised service that offers “instant tax refunds” or “quick money,” you may want to reconsider.


Master Meat Crafters Graduate
January 26, 2012

Wisconsin has graduated its first class from the Master Meat Crafter Training Program last week in Madison. DATCP has announced that 17 of the state’s meat processors have completed this unique, one-of-a-kind program and have the distinction of being a Master Meat Crafter.


Make the Most of Your International Investment
January 25, 2012

Maximizing opportunities is a key factor for agricultural companies trying to increase their sales abroad and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offers guidance in that area through Food Show Plus™ of the Food Export Association of the Midwest.



Smartphones and Tablets - Is Your Privacy at Risk?
January 25, 2012
 
Stop. Think. Connect.
 
For Data Privacy Day on January 28th, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is asking consumers to take control of how they use personal data online, especially when using smartphones and tablets.


Changes Proposed to Wisconsin’s Pesticide Rule; Public Hearings Scheduled for February
January 24, 2012

Two February public hearings are set to gather comments on proposed changes to Wisconsin's pesticide rule. Some proposed revisions include adding pesticide applications in natural areas to the turf and landscape pesticide certification category; regulating urban pesticide misting systems like those used for mosquito control and allowing electronic customer notification for pesticide information.



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