On Wednesday, more than 275 farmers and agriculturists gathered in Madison for Ag Day at the Capitol.
Ag Day at the Capitol is an annual event for Wisconsin farmers and agriculturists. They learn more about state issues affecting agriculture and meet with their state legislators.
Attendees started the day with comments from Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski. Romanski encouraged farmers in attendance to stay connected with their legislators on both the state and federal level.
“It is really important for you to continue to do things like this,” said Romanski. “Whether it is your first time or one hundredth time speaking to your legislators, your voice matters.”
The Wisconsin Realtors Association’s Director of Political and Governmental Affairs Joe Murray served as the event’s featured speaker. Murray shared what constituents can expect for a political outlook in the coming year.
The afternoon session was a legislative panel on several current issues impacting agriculture in the state legislature. The panel was moderated by WFBF Executive Director of Governmental Relations Jason Mugnaini. Panelists were Senators Patrick Testin, Brad Pfaff and Joan Ballweg, and Representatives Tony Kurtz, Dave Considine and Travis Tranel.
The panel discussed:
- Recent investments in rural infrastructure.
- Improving access services, including affordable healthcare, for farm families.
- Government’s role in new and emerging agricultural technologies.
- Ensuring a stable workforce for sustainable growth in agriculture.
The program concluded with issue briefings with a strong focus on encouraging the passage of AB 860 and SB 811. This legislation would allow WFBF to provide members with a unique and affordable health coverage plan option.
Additional topics included:
- Protecting animal agriculture from overreaching local regulation.
- Upcoming ARIP application process.
- Supporting agricultural economic development projects in Evansville and Stevens Point.
The afternoon’s program concluded with attendees walking to the Capitol where they met with their legislators from their respective areas.
