By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has urged the Trump Administration to swiftly distribute emergency relief funds to Wisconsin dairy farmers struggling with financial hardships caused by extreme weather.
Senator Baldwin emphasized the urgent need for Congress-approved funding to be allocated to help small- and medium-sized dairy farms facing rising costs due to drought, flooding, and other weather-related challenges.
In a bipartisan effort, lawmakers passed the American Relief Act, which extended the 2018 Farm Bill and included $31 billion in aid for farmers, with $21 billion specifically earmarked for disaster relief.
Senator Baldwin called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite the release of these funds to Wisconsin’s dairy producers, who have endured significant losses.
“Over the past few years, Wisconsin has lost one to two dairy farms a day to bankruptcy, and family farmers have done everything in their power to keep their livestock healthy, feed their families, and maintain farm operations,” wrote Senator Baldwin in a letter to USDA Secretary Brook Rollins.
“However, it is not getting any easier for the industry due to mounting financial stress from severe weather, market instability, and increased input costs. The disaster aid funding included in the American Relief Act is an opportunity for your agency to make good on the bipartisan promise to provide much-needed relief. Dairy farmers and producers in Wisconsin deserve a fair share of the disaster assistance to help mitigate the devastating losses they have incurred these last two years.”
Senator Baldwin stressed that aid should be distributed in a way that accounts for the specific needs of the dairy industry rather than a standardized approach.
Senator Baldwin urged the Trump Administration to consider the financial strain caused by extreme weather, which has impacted feed availability and milk production.
Senator Baldwin also emphasized that both organic and conventional dairy farmers, as well as processors, must be included in the relief efforts.
“The dairy industry is the backbone of Wisconsin’s rural communities and our economy. Wisconsin’s dairy farmers provide vital nutrition and food security for families and children across the nation,” concluded Senator Baldwin. “It is imperative that they receive the assistance that Congress directed in the American Relief Act to weather these difficult times, in a manner that is both timely and meets the needs of diverse industry partners.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle