(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s dairymen are happy to see the latest farm bill move forward at the Capitol.
The U.S. Senate’s Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry recently approved the new bill on 12-11 vote.
Wisconsin's largest dairy group, the Edge Dairy Cooperative, said the vote is a crucial step toward getting wins for dairy and cattle farmers in the state.
“Dairy farmers have operated under an outdated farm bill for years while facing rising costs and market uncertainty. We encourage Congress to continue working toward a final bipartisan bill that strengthens farm safety net programs and provides certainty for all farmers,” Edge Board President Heidi Fischer said.
Fischer is most excited about the bill’s "reauthorization" of the Dairy Indemnity Payment Program. She also likes the plan's sunset for the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, as well as funding increases for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, and new rules for the mandatory reporting of dairy product processing costs.
Wisconsin's Cheese Makers Association is also cheering the Farm Bill progress.
“Dairy businesses depend on a strong farm bill that supports innovation, expands market opportunities, strengthens risk management, and helps our industry remain competitive in an ever-changing global marketplace,” WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney said.
The vote means the new bill will head to a conference committee. That means members of the Senate and the House will now negotiate after both have approved their own versions of the plan.
“[Wednesday's] vote is an important step, but there is more work ahead,” Sweeney said.
The current farm bill expires at the end of the month.
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