Reminder To Participate In Conservation Congress
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress invites all Wisconsinites to take part in its annual spring hearing process.
The WCC is an independent organization of residents that advises the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board and the Wisconsin DNR on how to responsibly manage Wisconsin’s natural resources.
Wisconsin residents are invited to submit ideas as proposed resolutions now through Feb. 9. An individual may submit no more than two resolutions per year, and the resolutions must meet the following criteria:
- The concern must be of statewide impact.
- The concern must be practical, achievable and reasonable.
- The concern must be within the mission and vision of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.
Those interested in submitting a resolution can visit the DNR and WCC’s Spring Hearings webpage.
At the close of the submission process, the resolutions will be reviewed and prepared for the 2026 Spring Hearing. Online and in-person input begins on April 13, and online input will continue through April 15.
For further information or questions, contact Paul Reith, Vice-Chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, at 608-616-0808.
Roughly 300 Show Up To Ag Day At The Capitol
More than 300 farmers and agriculturists gathered at the Monona Terrace in Madison this week for Ag Day at the Capitol.
Ag Day at the Capitol is the largest advocacy day for Wisconsin farmers and agriculturists. It brought together a variety of farm groups to learn more about state issues affecting agriculture and meet with their state legislators.
Jason Mugnaini, WFBF’s Executive Director of Government Relations, discusses key policy priorities aimed at bringing economic stability to the state’s agricultural sector. With Stephanie Hoff, he highlights the urgent need for a production tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel and the creation of specialized health care plans to support the unique financial situations of farm families and sole proprietors. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of long-term resilience through rural veterinary support, regulatory stability, and a focus on succession planning for the next generation of farmers.
Marcus Landry, former UW-Madison Badgers basketball player, delivered a keynote speech. Landry started a family farm following his basketball career. He shared his story of getting involved in agriculture.
“I am a part of this farm community and I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Landry. “When we come together and show unity, we can make a huge difference.”
Following the program, attendees walked to the Capitol to meet with their legislators. Inside the Capitol Rotunda, attendees explored Farm Bureau spotlight booths and connected with Wisconsin Ag Coalition partners.
Bright Spots For Soybeans, Including Tempeh
On a 1,200-acre family farm in eastern Michigan, the sixth generation is doing more than just harvesting soybeans. Janna Fritz is spearheading trade as chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
Fritz says the USSEC is navigating a complex global landscape defined by both gray clouds of uncertainty and emerging opportunities in markets like Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Egypt.
While formal trade deals are handled by governments, the USSEC focuses on the “boots on the ground” work of building trust with international buyers. This includes everything from expanding aquaculture feed markets to promoting plant-based innovations like tempeh flour. Tempeh is a food made from fermented soybeans.
Despite the complexities of global politics, the mission remains focused on long-term stability.
“We are in the relationship business and the networking business,” Fritz says, emphasizing the importance of personal connection in trade.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, she is calling for clarity in the markets.
“I hope for some finality to the negotiations and some opportunity codification… let the sunshine in, and show this opportunity for what it is.”
Carr Is New Vice President of Finance and Sales At Foremost Farms
Foremost Farms USA, a leading dairy cooperative, announces the promotion of Colleen Carr to Senior Vice President of Finance and Sales, joining the organization’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). In this expanded role, Carr will lead all Accounting and Finance functions while continuing her leadership responsibilities for Sales. She will report to Brenda Dehart, President & CEO.
“Colleen leads with integrity, curiosity and a deep commitment to our members and employees,” said Brenda Dehart, President & CEO, Foremost Farms. “I’m excited to see her step into this expanded role and help us advance our long-term vision.”
Carr brings nearly 15 years of experience in the agricultural industry, including more than five years of impactful leadership at Foremost Farms. Throughout her tenure, she has strengthened customer relationships, built trust with key partners and advanced collaborative, long-term business strategies. Her deep understanding of the complexities of seasonal dairy solids, market dynamics and financial modeling has been instrumental in helping the cooperative navigate a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Known for her ability to blend financial discipline with a customer-centric, value-chain mindset, Carr has positioned Foremost Farms to anticipate market needs rather than react to them. Her leadership has supported more integrated decision making across the organization and enhanced the cooperative’s ability to deliver value to its members.
“Foremost Farms has given me the opportunity to work alongside exceptional people who are committed to our members and our mission,” said Carr. “I’m excited to help lead our cooperative into its next chapter and ensure we’re creating value for the people who depend on us.”
Carr earned her Bachelor of Science degrees at the University of Minnesota Duluth in Statistics & Actuarial Sciences and Mathematics.
How Much Food Does Wisconsin Waste?
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a Wisconsin Food Waste Evaluation report that provides key details about Wisconsin’s existing food waste generation and management.
The report includes recommendations for individuals, businesses and government agencies to reduce food waste going to landfills as part of a statewide goal to reduce per-capita food waste disposal in landfills by 50% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.
Key Findings
- The vast majority (88%) of the food waste going to Wisconsin landfills is from residential and food service sources, with residential contributing the largest share at 47%.
- Infrastructure for hauling food waste to destinations other than landfills (such as composting and anaerobic digestion facilities) will have to expand significantly to achieve the statewide food waste reduction goal.
- Of the 286 facilities licensed for composting in Wisconsin, just 30 (10%) are approved to accept food waste. Of the 122 anaerobic digestion facilities currently operating in Wisconsin, just 37 (30%) currently accept food waste.
- To expand food donation, food rescue and food waste processing infrastructure, education, technical support and funding will be needed. Regulatory and policy reform may also be necessary.
This study was funded through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant that the DNR received in 2023 to evaluate Wisconsin’s food waste landscape, develop a statewide food waste reduction plan and provide technical assistance to businesses. These activities, under this Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant, support Wisconsin’s commitment to waste reduction and responsible use of resources.
How The Study Was Conducted
The DNR contracted with HDR, Inc., to perform the study, which gathered data from surveys and listening sessions with stakeholders, including food rescue organizations, local governments, food waste processors and waste haulers. The study also included a review of data from the DNR, the U.S. EPA Excess Food Opportunities Map, the ReFED Insights Engine and other state-specific information.
The impetus for this grant-funded work was DNR’s 2020-2021 Statewide Waste Characterization Study, which found that wasted food and food scraps accounted for 20% of the trash sent to Wisconsin landfills — the largest single category. This amounts to an estimated 854,000 tons annually in Wisconsin during the study period, or 294 pounds per person. More than three-quarters of this food could have been consumed by people. When food goes in the trash, so do resources, time and money.
The DNR will host a webinar via Microsoft Teams from noon to 1 p.m. on Feb. 3 to present an overview of the food waste study. Anyone interested in attending the webinar can register using the Wisconsin Food Waste Evaluation Results Webinar registration link.
Don’t Fall For An Overdue Toll Scam
DATCP and WisDOT are alerting consumers to a large wave of scam text messages. These messages are claiming to come from a tolling agency collecting overdue fees.
Overdue toll text scammers appear to be targeting Wisconsin consumers with “final notice” messages that claim they are associated with WisDOT. The messages include a link to pay outstanding balances right away to avoid penalties and legal actions. If opened, the link leads to a website which appears to be a toll payment portal that looks legitimate. In reality it is controlled by a scammer.
How To Avoid Scams
- Slow down. There is no need to rush to click on links or respond to the text. Scammers want to scare consumers into reacting quickly before they get a chance to pause and consider the possibility of a scam.
- Check with the tolling agency directly if they have recently traveled in a tolling area and are concerned they may owe toll fees. Consumers should contact the state’s tolling agency using a phone number or website they can verify is legitimate, and avoid using any contact information provided by the suspicious text message.
- Avoid engaging with the message – report it and delete it. Unwanted messages are often sent by scammers. The best way to prevent a scam is to avoid interacting with it entirely.
Paying a scammer could result in consumers losing their money or scammers accessing their personal information. Consumers are encouraged to report suspicious calls, texts, and phone numbers to their service provider. Doing so using their smartphone’s built-in reporting options.
To learn more about these scams, visit WisDOT’s Recognizing Scams resource at WisconsinDMV.gov/scams. To report this scam or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128 or [email protected].
Solidifying Wisconsin’s Paper Power
Despite a decade of fluctuating markets and mill closures, Wisconsin remains the nation’s top paper producer. Further fuel is coming from nearly $1 billion in recent private investment and a renewed focus on high-tech sustainability, according to the Wisconsin Paper Council.
WPC President Scott Suder says industry leaders are currently navigating a landscape of workforce shortages and evolving international trade policies.
Recent expansions in the Green Bay area include new facilities from Green Bay Packaging and Georgia Pacific. Beyond manufacturing, the sector is currently focused on securing its future through a bipartisan two-year strategic study designed to create a roadmap for prosperity.
However, the industry’s global footprint brings modern challenges. WPC is keeping a close watch on federal trade negotiations and state-level legislation regarding foreign land ownership. While protecting national interests is a priority, there is a strong desire to maintain the flow of raw materials and investment from international partners like Canada and Mexico.
Addressing common misconceptions is also a primary goal for the industry as it faces a “senior tsunami” of retiring workers. To attract new talent, Suder says leaders are emphasizing that modern mills operate with world-class environmental standards.
“The water going out of the mill is cleaner than the water coming in. So it’s very sustainable, environmentally friendly,” Suder says.
$11 Million Awarded For Dairy Business Innovation
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) award of over $11 million in new federal funding for the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives. Awards will go to four centers offering technical assistance and direct-to-business grants for dairy farmers and processors, including the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) led by WCMA and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR).
“This funding recognizes the success of our work to help processors and farmers adapt, innovate, and grow in challenging times,” said WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “Through DBIA, we’ve delivered more than $24 million in grants to dairy businesses across the Midwest, and this new award allows us to continue supporting small and mid-sized processors as they strengthen markets for milk and build long-term resilience.”
Under this new award, DBIA will receive $3.45 million to support product research and development, technical assistance, education, and direct grants to dairy businesses across Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It has directed nearly 300 grants, and supported hundreds of businesses with education and consultative services since 2018.
“The CDR is delighted to continue this partnership with the WCMA on the DBIA program, which has a proven track record of supporting innovation and growth for farmsteads and smaller dairy businesses throughout our region,” said CDR Director John Lucey.
About DBI
The DBI program was first established in the 2018 Farm Bill under the leadership of Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and has since been championed not only by Sen. Baldwin, but also by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-Wisconsin 03) and Representative Salud Carbajal (D-California 24).
As Congress considers funding levels for DBII in the next Farm Bill and future appropriations bills, WCMA underscores the importance of continued advocacy from dairy processors. The Association encourages dairy businesses to visit WisCheeseMakers.org/news/advocacy to quickly contact their lawmakers and urge sustained investment in this essential program.
Nominations Open For Hunter And Archery Education Awards
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Hunter Education Group of the Year and Archery Education Instructor of the Year awards.
Current hunter and archery education instructors and hunter education groups that have significantly advanced hunter safety on a voluntary basis through extraordinary service are eligible to be nominated.
“The dedication of our hunter and archery education instructors to ensuring that our students have the highest quality of safety training before heading into the woods is an incredibly valuable tool for the agency,” said Lt. Renee Thok, DNR hunter education administrative warden. “They deserve as much recognition as we can give them. Nominating an instructor or group is a very special way to honor them for their countless hours of volunteer time they put in to continue to grow the future of safe, responsible hunters.”
Extraordinary service can come in various forms, including recruiting new instructors, recruiting new students or hunters, the volume of courses taught or involvement in other activities in their community related to hunter education.
To nominate an individual or group, download the nomination form on the DNR’s volunteer webpage and email the completed form to [email protected] by Feb. 15, 2026.
WATA Recognizes Agricultural Tourism Champions
“Today, we are very pleased to recognize four Wisconsin legislators who work to encourage state-
wide economic and business climates that promote agricultural tourism on working farms.” The recipients of the 2025 Friends of WATA Awards are: Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), Senator André Jacque (R-New Franklin). As well as Senator Rob Hutton (R- Brookfield), Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond), Representative Clinton Anderson (D-Beloit), Representative Jenna Jacobson (D-Oregon) and Representative Duke Tucker (R-Grantsburg).
Like virtually every farm across our nation, Wisconsin farms are challenged by ever-increasing input
and financing costs. Also rising land prices, higher water costs, dramatically fluctuating markets, scare
labor, and unpredictable weather. “Our farms are always looking for revenue opportunities that
stabilize and increase income. Agricultural tourism is an economic strategy that works to preserve
agricultural land, family operations, and boost the economies of rural communities,” said Everhart.
Just 1.2 percent of America is directly involved in cultivating land, managing timber, or raising livestock, and construction. At the same time, there is growing public interest to walk on farmland, enjoy on-farm adventures, taste real food, and shake the hand that feeds them.
