DBA promotes policies that encourage regulatory consistency and fairness while fostering the growth and resilience of rural communities through infrastructure investment and support for agriculture-friendly initiatives. 

• Support state preemption of local animal health ordinances
• Support and promote the state’s livestock facility siting
• Raise the cap on acreage allowable in Ag Enterprise Areas to 3 million acres

We support policies that recognize and promote dairy farms as the driver of Wisconsin agriculture and the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy.

• Increase funding for the Dairy Processing Grant Program for a total of $1.2 million over the biennium
• Continue engagement on Wisconsin’s Agriculture Exports Program with $4 million in funding over the biennium
• Develop incentives for beginning farmers to enter through income tax credits
• Facilitate access to low-interest loans and financial assistance programs to help farmers invest in new technologies and infrastructure
• Develop a transparent farm field calculator that gives farmers a tool to engage carbon trading markets to create secondary income streams
• Improve and promote the Nutrient Trading Clearinghouse to provide more energy sustainability and income for dairy farms

We support efforts that address concerns about nitrates in groundwater, including existing programs that help farmers improve water quality: 

• Maintain Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program with $2 million in funding over the biennium
• Reapprove Cover Crop Insurance Premium Rebate Program through continued funding of $1 million annually
• Fully fund Producer-led Watershed Grant Program - with permanent funding of $3 million over the biennium
• Well Compensation Program – Expand eligibility requirements to participate; increase funding to $10 million total over the biennium
• Establish a Managed Grazing Pilot Program - with funding of $1 million over the biennium
• Promote full statutory funding for County Conservation Program staffing to $20.2 million annually

Supporting policies aimed at bolstering transportation infrastructure for dairy producers in Wisconsin is crucial for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the industry. Improving roads, bridges and rail networks can reduce transportation costs and facilitate timely delivery of dairy products to markets across the state and beyond. By investing in infrastructure, policymakers can ensure that dairy producers have reliable access to transportation routes, enabling them to maintain freshness and quality while expanding their market reach. This support not only benefits dairy farmers but also strengthens Wisconsin’s position as a leader in dairy production and distribution. 

• Continued investment in the Agriculture Road improvement Program (ARIP) for upgrading transportation infrastructure that is critical to dairy’s success - $150 million over the biennium
• Provide Commercial Driver's License (CDL) grants to promote adequate labor force needs similar to 2023 Act 153 to continue investment in developing skilled drivers to move goods around the state
• Support the creation of a general commodity permit that allows for 91,000 lbs. and six axles on the state's highways only
• Create a Biofuels Incentive Package through grants for biofuels retail infrastructure grants with $8 million of funding over the biennium

In Wisconsin, dairy farming stands as a cornerstone of our agricultural heritage and economic vitality. Continued state investment in dairy research and education is not just beneficial but essential for our future. By supporting research initiatives, we ensure that our farmers have access to cutting-edge technologies and practices that enhance productivity and sustainability. Education programs foster innovation and equip the next generation of dairy leaders with the knowledge to tackle emerging challenges. Investing in dairy research and education not only strengthens our economy but also preserves our proud tradition of excellence in dairy farming for generations to come. 

• Continue support for and promotion of UW Dairy Innovation Hub
• Bolster program offering at UW River Falls, Farm & Industry Short Course with $350,000 annually to promote and build a lasting course offering for new and future farmers
• Strengthen dairy animal health efforts to address Bovine Tuberculosis, Bovine mastitis, Avian flu, etc. by adding a position at DATCP
• Support state efforts to protect Wisconsin’s livestock industry and food safety to mounting threats and recent outbreaks by funding additional positions for DATCP’s Department of Animal Health