Legislation to incentivize grazing is getting traction in the State Capitol. We’re talking about it today with the Wisconsin Farmers Union. Government Relations Director Michelle Ramirez-White joins us in-studio to break down what WFU policy priorities are likely to garner support either in the state biennium budget or as stand-alone legislation.
Ramirez-White says grazing is an initiative that WFU has been working on for the past few sessions. It was integrated into Gov. Tony Evers’ budget, and it’s also been introduced as standalone legislation by two Republicans.
“It’s amazing to see the initiatives of grazing being supported,” she says. “Having a state-level program for farmers would be amazing.”
The bill would create a state-level program run through the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. It would provide up to $40,000 for farmers to integrate their land into grazing or expand an existing grazing operation. Ramirez-White says the money can be used for technical assistance, such as through Grassworks or an apprenticeship, or for materials such as fencing.
