Bob Mitchell, senior partner at Spring Creek’s Cattle Company in southwest Wisconsin, has been appointed to Wisconsin’s Wolf Advisory Committee. This is a group tasked with helping guide management decisions once wolves are removed from the federal endangered species list.
Mitchell operates a purebred seed stock and commercial cow-calf operation alongside his three sons, managing pastures across three counties. While wolf sightings in his area are rare, he says the predator’s increasing presence in southern parts of the state is a concern.
“Like a lot of predators… they’ve become more adapted to populated areas,” Mitchell said. “If there were more cattle here, you’d see more incidents of wolf depredation.”
For years, wolves have been a hot-button issue among farmers and ranchers. With it especially so in northern Wisconsin where livestock losses are more common. Mitchell, who has represented the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association in the past, says having agricultural voices in wolf management discussions is essential.
“We’re gonna have wolves… and they’re gonna do harm,” he said. “If we’re gonna have them, everybody needs to understand what it’s gonna cost to have them.”
The advisory committee has yet to meet, but Mitchell plans to use his position to ensure cattle producers’ concerns are heard. Doing so particularly when it comes to the financial and logistical burden of protecting livestock. He says the key will be finding a fair balance between preserving the species and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.
