Dairy Task Force 2.0 Dashboard

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This dashboard lists each recommendation, the likely level of implementation, and known actions taken. The table can be sorted by clicking on the column header. For more information about each recommendation, read the Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0 Final Report.

Recommendat​ion​

Implementation Level

Action Taken​

Dairy Innovation Hub

State

Dairy Innovation Hub website

Funding was included in the 2019-21 state biennial budget. The Committee on Joint Finance has released budget funds to the University of Wisconsin System. A Dairy Innovation Hub Advisory Council was ​​announced.

Feasibility study for Wisconsin Cheese Brand and Export Board

Institutional

Staffing analysis at CDR and additional state funds for full-time positions

State​​

Recognize the importance of exports to Wisconsin dairy

Institutional

2021 AB314 and SB325​, relating to promoting the export of Wisconsin's agricultural and agribusiness products, signed into law as WI Act 92.​ Half of these funds received over five years are targeted towards dairy exports.

2020 JR0 SB6/JR0 AB6, relating to the Wisconsin Initiative for Dairy Exports and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

The 2021-2023 budget included the establishment of a new program to grow international trade opportunities and increase Wisconsin's agricultural exports.

The 2023-2025 state budget included $1 million of funding each year for Wisconsin agricultural export promotion. ​

Become one of the dairy product and business innovation centers

Institutional / National

Dairy Business Innovation Alliance website

The Center for Dairy Research and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association were awarded the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative grant.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Ammonia emissions inventory of different management practices and dairy farm settings.

Reduce the number of milk classes from the current four to two

National

A national public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on proposals to amend the pricing formulas in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs).

Regulatory changes needed to FDA product standards of identity

National

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Strategies to inhibit development of biogenic amine associated defects in ripened cheeses.

Truth in food labeling

State / National

A letter was sent by DATCP Secretary-designee Pfaff to Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (January 2019)

2019 AB518 and SB464, relating to labeling a product as meat and granting rule-making authority, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 AB516 and SB466, relating to labeling a product as a type of milk and granting rule-making authority, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 AB515 and SB463, relating to labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

2021 AB 73/SB 81, relating to labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority, was introduced. AB73 passed the Assembly and is available for scheduling in the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

2021 AB 74/SB 83, relating to labeling a food product as a type of milk and granting rule-making authority, was introduced. AB74 passed the Assembly and is available for scheduling in the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

2021 AB 75/SB 82, relating to labeling a food product as meat and granting rule-making authority, was introduced. AB75 passed the Assembly and is available for scheduling in the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

Require animal official identification

State

2019 Act 178, relating to creating a voluntary individual animal identification program and granting rule-making authority, was signed into law.

Create a Cheese Export program at CDR with technical staff support

Institutional / State

The 2021-2023 budget included the establishment of a new program to grow international trade opportunities and increase Wisconsin's agricultural exports.

2021 AB314 and SB325​, relating to promoting the export of Wisconsin's agricultural and agribusiness products, signed into law as WI Act 92.​

2021 SB827, relating to grants for dairy exports promotion and making an appropriation, was passed.

Solutions for local road infrastructure support and maintenance funds

State

The 2019-21 state biennial budget provides an historic 10 percent increase ($66 million over the biennium) in available funding for general transportation aids, paid to counties, towns, villages, and cities.

Emphasis on value-added and specialty cheese in Wisconsin

Institutional

2020 JR0 SB3/JR0 AB3, relating to promoting production of value-added agricultural products; creating an organic farming education grant program, a grazing education grant program, and a farm to fork grant program; providing resource conservation technical assistance; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2020 JR0 SB7/JR0 AB7, relating to an increase of $600,000 in grants to dairy processing plants and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Glycomacropeptide (GMP) derived from cheese whey: Treating obesity by manipulating hunger hormones and the gut microbiota.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, ​Dairy residue bioconversion into designer (D) - Lactic acid. 

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Development of milk-protein-based 3D printing bio composites using spoiled milk and whey from dairy processing waste.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, ​Whey-fortified fermented milk for inhibiting intestinal inflammation.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, ​Manufacturing natural cheeses containing bioactive peptides with improved antihypertensive properties

The 2021-2023 budget included expansion of dairy processor grants to promote industry innovation. ​

The 2023-2025 state budget included increased funding for the Dairy Processor Grant Program, providing a total of $500,000 each year for dairy processor grants for this biennium.​

Mandatory pooling

National

A national public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on proposals to amend the pricing formulas in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs)​.

Educational programming for non-farm audiences

Institutional

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Dairy Innovation Hub student challenge.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Dairy and environment online course development.

Capital for new and emerging technology

State

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Analyzing the costs and benefits of manure management regulations for dairy farm economic viability and soil and water sustainability.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, ​Reducing lifecycle environmental impacts and improving profitability of Wisconsin dairy systems through improved cropping management. ​

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing expenditure authority for regional planning grants for biodigesters. No action was taken by the legislature.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Real-time soil nitrate leaching sensing for sustainable dairy production.

Governor Evers' 2023-2025 state budget proposal included biodigester planning grants. No action was taken by the legislature.

Address regulations impacting milk haulers

State

2019 Act 174, relating to an exception to federal hours of service requirements and modifying an administrative rule related to the exception, was signed into law.

Increasing milk quality standards

National

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Nanosculpted silicon membranes for shape-based biological separations. 

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, The genetic determinants of gastrointestinal tract colonization by Listeria monocytogenes.

Support H.R. 832, Whole Milk for 4 Healthy Kids Act of 2019

National

2019 Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution 63, relating to a statement in support of increased milk consumption among America's youth, introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

Rural processors access to capital

State

2019 Act 62, relating to the agricultural development loan guarantee program administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, was signed into law.

Beginning farmer program modernization

State / National


Increased collaboration in the UW System and with private industry

Institutional

2020 JR0 SB4/JR0SB4, relating to 20 county-based agriculture positions in the Division of Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and making an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.​

2019 SB563 and AB627, relating to funding for certain extension services of the University of Wisconsin System and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Competency of flies to acquire and transmit pathogenic bacteria to dairy cows.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Dairy Innovation Hub student challenge.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, ​Local virtual enclosures to enforce managed grazing.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included 20 FTE positions. The Joint Finance Committee and legislature provided $2 million over the biennium.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Discovering a new dairy-based ingredient to replace fat in whipped cream.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Cocktail forage mix yield, quality and use in cow rations.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Dietary fiber and starch digestibility effects on feeding behavior and lactation performance.

Reimplementation of the Beginning Farmer and Farm Asset Owner tax credit

State

2019 Act 167, relating to including crop insurance proceeds in the manufacturing and agricultural tax credit, was signed into law.

2019 ​AB873 and SB818, relating to an income tax credit for the property taxes paid on agricultural buildings and improvements and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

Need for a consistent industry message

Institutional

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Determining consumer preferences of dairy milk.

Need for regulatory certainty and consistency

State

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Analyzing the costs and benefits of manure management regulations for dairy farm economic viability and soil and water sustainability.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Water quality, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil health: The shovel-ready projects of the UW-Discovery Farms.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, A new approach to nutrient management planning on Wisconsin dairy farms.

Increasing demand for fluid milk consumption in schools

Institutional

2019 AB956, relating to grants to purchase milk dispensers for schools, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2020 JR0 SB5/JR0 AB5, relating to farm to school grants and making an appropriation, to connect children with locally produced foods in school meals, including dairy products, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution 63, relating to a statement in support of increased milk consumption among America's youth, introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included funding for Wisconsin’s Farm to School program. No action was taken by the legislature.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing funding and permanent position authority for a Farm to Fork grant program that connects entities that operate cafeterias to nearby farms to provide locally sourced food. No action was taken by the legislature. 

Governor Evers' 2023-2025 budget proposal included funding for a farm-to-fork grant program including nutritional and agricultural education. No action was taken by the legislature. 

Need to study the impact of dairy and agriculture on local communities

Institutional

Extension developed county ag economic impact reports.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Network analysis of dairy supply chains.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Changing agricultural land: Understanding impacts on southern Wisconsin's dairy farms and rural communities. 

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing permanent position authority and associated funding for an agricultural economist position to help grow Wisconsin’s agriculture economy. No action was taken by the legislature.

Governor Evers' 2023-2025 budget proposal included an agricultural economist position. No action was taken by the legislature.

Support for broadband internet services in rural communities

State / National

Governor Evers signed Executive Order #80, creating the Governor's Task Force on Broadband Access. 

2019 Act 128, relating to the telephone company tax exemption for property used to provide broadband service, was signed into law.

The 2019-21 state biennial budget provides $48 million throughout the biennium, the largest amount ever, to expand the Broadband Expansion Grant program to reach more underserved areas of the state.

Governor Evers declared 2021 the Year of Broadband Access in Wisconsin.

The 2021-2023 budget provided $129 million over the biennium for broadband expansion projects.

In May 2021, Governor Evers announced $100 million investment in the first round of federal funding for broadband access.

In November 2021, Governor Evers announced $100 million for State Broadband Expansion Grants.

The 2023-2025 state budget provided additional funding for broadband.​

Work to conduct detailed consumer preferences and insight studies

Institutional

​Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, ​Measuring the rheological properties of ice cream to predict its mouth-feel sensations.​​

Increase in dairy processor grant funding

State

2020 JR0 SB7/JR0 AB7, relating to an increase of $600,000 in grants to dairy processing plants and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

The 2021-2023 budget included expansion of dairy processor grants to promote industry innovation, increasing funding from $200,000 to $400,000 each year.

The 2023-2025 state budget included increased funding for the Dairy Processor Grant Program, providing a total of $500,000 each year for dairy processor grants for this biennium.

Need to engage with state and federal government leaders

Institutional / Individual

Governor Evers signed Executive Order #65, relating to the creation of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity, which included listening sessions and meetings around Wisconsin.

Investments in scholarships, planning support, and apprenticeship sponsors

State / Institutional

2021 AB64 and SB72, relating to technical college farmer tuition assistance grants and making an appropriation, was introduced and is available for scheduling. Legislative session ended without passage.

2020 JR0 SB1/JR0 SB1, relating to providing planning assistance to farmers and making an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 AB524, relating to farmer tuition assistance grants and making an appropriation, was passed by the Assembly. 2019 SB505 was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 AB519 and SB472, creating a program for reimbursing the higher education debt of beginning farmers, were introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 AB494 and SB448, creating University of Wisconsin System positions for farm succession planning and making an appropriation, were introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing expenditure authority for grants to help farms hire business consultants to examine their farm business plans. No action was taken by the legislature.

Governor Evers' 2023-2025 state budget proposal included funding for a Farm Business Consultant Grant Program. He also included additional positions for regional farmer support through the Wisconsin Farm Center. No action was taken by the legislature. 

Assist farms develop and market agritourism

Institutional / State

DATCP agritourism website

2020 ​JR0 SB3/JR0 AB3, relating to promoting production of value-added agricultural products; creating an organic farming education grant program, a grazing education grant program, and a farm to fork grant program; providing resource conservation technical assistance; granting rule-making authority; and making​ an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

The 2019-21 state biennial budget included additional funding for Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin, which supports this work.

Governor Evers proclaimed September 20, 2019 as Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Day.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included expenditure and position authority for a value-added agriculture grant program to expand agricultural practices that produce value-added products and increase profits for producers. No action was taken by the legislature.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing expenditure authority for a Small Farm Diversity grant program to provide capital to small- and mid-sized farms to help in the diversification of production. No action was taken by the legislature.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included increasing expenditure authority for grants to farms and businesses to help strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural and food industries. No action was taken by the legislature.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included increasing funding for the promotion of Wisconsin-made products via the Something Special from Wisconsin™ trademark promotional program. No action was taken by the legislature. 

2021 AB666 and SB647, relating to the Something Special from Wisconsin promotional campaign; funding for the University of Wisconsin System, technical colleges, and special education aid; and making an appropriation, were introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.​

Governor Evers' 2023-2025 state budget proposal included funding for a Value-Added Agriculture Program, Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin, Farm-to-Fork Grant Program, and Something Special from Wisconsin. No action was taken by the legislature.​

Encourage dairy producers to run for local offices and commissions

Individual

Need to have and understand a contract/member agreement

Individual

Establishment of a Farm Savings Account for farmers

National

Create an app for dairy producers and associates on major topics

Institutional

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Competency of flies to acquire and transmit pathogenic bacteria to dairy cows.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Mobile maps for better manure management.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, DairyTrader®: A cull dairy cow price estimation app to help farmer decision-making.

Bulk Milk Weighers and Samplers license reciprocity

State

2019 Act 152, relating to reciprocity for bulk milk weighing and sampling licenses, was signed into law.

Need for additional farm business succession facilitators

State

Extension held farm succession and estate planning workshops in seven locations across Wisconsin in early 2020.

Extension held Wisconsin Farm Succession Professionals Network (WIFSPN) training including succession strategies and tools to guide the process in 2019.

Extension is developing a farm succession workbook, Cultivating your farm's future.

2020 JR0 SB1/JR0 SB1, relating to providing planning assistance to farmers and making an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 AB494 and SB448, creating University of Wisconsin System positions for farm succession planning and making an appropriation, were introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing expenditure authority for grants to help farms hire business consultants to examine their farm business plans. No action was taken by the legislature. 

Governor Evers' 2023-2025 state budget proposal included funding for a Farm Business Consultant Grant Program. He also included additional positions for regional farmer support through the Wisconsin Farm Center. No action was taken by the legislature.

Encourage young people to pursue ag careers

Institutional

The Department of Workforce Development reconvened the Ag Education and Workforce Development Council.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection established the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Dairy Innovation Hub student challenge.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included providing funding and permanent position authority for a new grant program to support meat industry workforce development needs by providing tuition assistance to individuals pursuing meat processing programming at Wisconsin universities, colleges and technical schools. No action was taken by the legislature.

In 2022 Governor Evers directed $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to fund a Meat Talent Development Program​ to attract students to meat careers, provide financial support to s​tudents in Wisconsin meat processing training programs, support program development, and connect the meat processing industry with potential e​mployees.​

Governor Evers’ 2023-2025 budget proposal included funding for the Meat Talent Development Grant Program. No action was taken by the legislature.​

Support the Access to Better Credit (ABC) Act

State

Remove the annual requirements for the rBST affidavit

State

2019 Act 153, relating to using milk producer affidavits to substantiate claims that a dairy product is free of synthetic bovine growth hormone, was signed into law.

Support the National Dairy FARM Program or equivalent

Institutional

Extension offers Animal Well-Being & Herd Health resources.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Innovative methods to detect and protect against heat stress in dairy calves.

Reduce barriers to utilize services from DWD DVR

State

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development updated its policies supporting self-employed people with disabilities.

Assist rural businesses pursue healthy workplace practices

State

Extension offers a farm human resources education program, Becoming the Employer of Choice.

Develop a dairy internship program

Institutional / State

Establishment of ag-based programs at the local level

Institutional

Support for public and private partnerships

Institutional

The 2019-21 state biennial budget includes $750,000 annually for producer-led watershed grants, which emphasizes public and private partnerships.

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, Dairy Innovation Hub student challenge.

The 2021-2023 budget included an increase in expenditure authority for producer-led watershed grants to $1,000,000 annually for the biennium.

The 2023-2025 state budget continued the $1,000,000 annual funding for producer-led watershed protection grants and funded for the nitrogen optimization pilot program.

Need to understand milk pricing and provide training

Institutional / Individual

Extension is creating modules on understanding milk pricing, which will be available online when completed.

2019 SB563 and AB627, relating to funding for certain extension services of the University of Wisconsin System and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. Legislative session ended without passage.

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included 20 FTE positions. The Joint Finance Committee and legislature provided $2 million over the biennium.

​A national public hearing is being held to consider and take evidence on proposals to amend the pricing formulas in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs)​​​.

Review eligibility for DWD services for self-employed individuals

State

Extension posted an article, Opportunities for Farming Individuals through the local Workforce Development System.

Extension shares checklists for transferable skills for entering the workforce after farming.

Department of Workforce Development confirmed farmers are eligible under the dislocated worker program.

Support processors with load consolidation and logistics planning

Institutional / State

Held 90 meetings between 9 Wisconsin cheese companies and 10 retail food buyers from Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to establish cheese sales to the Middle East. Introduced freight forwarding companies, with expertise in exporting food products, to the Wisconsin cheese companies and Middle East buyers participating in the full day of meetings. (June 2019)

Understanding marketing tools available

Individual

Extension held Hardening Your Business sessions in early 2020.

2020 JR0 SB4/JR0SB4, relating to 20 county-based agriculture positions in the Division of Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and making an appropriation, was introduced. Legislative session ended without passage.

2019 SB563 and AB627, relating to funding for certain extension services of the University of Wisconsin System and making an appropriation, passed the Assembly and awaited action by the Senate. ​Legislative session ended without passage.​

Governor Evers' 2021-2023 budget proposal included 20 FTE positions. The Joint Finance Committee and legislature provided $2 million over the biennium.​

Dairy Innovation Hub funded project, DairyTrader®: A cull dairy cow price estimation app to help farmer decision-making.​