Fee Veto Disappoints Livestock Sector
There’s some wins and losses at the governor’s mansion for Wisconsin agriculture.
Wisconsin cheesemakers are applauding the signature of Assembly bills 130 and 131 creating new, long-needed clarity on PFAS liability standards. It also unlocks more than $133 million in funding dedicated to PFAS remediation across Wisconsin. That’s a win!
On the other side of the coin is a disappointing veto on legislation to freeze livestock inspection fees. These fees are charged by the WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Increasing fees charged to livestock marketing operations and truckers that transport those animals has been discussed since last fall. The fees cover expenses related to traceability. Curt Larson, president and CEO of Equity Livestock Sales Association, has testified that these fees are a result of DATCP losing shared funding sources.
Senator Pat Testin, chair of the Senate Agriculture and
Revenue Committee, says they had negotiated a bill that would freeze fees until more options could be reviewed. With the governor’s veto, that pause goes away.
Testin expressed frustration due to a Supreme Court ruling in 2025. That ruling limits the legislature’s oversight on state agencies, including DATCP and DNR. Testin says this is an example of DATCP deciding to proceed with their plan regardless of the negative impact it might have on the producers they serve. He hopes there’s more discussion on options coming.
Expanding The Network Not The Distance
Johnson Tractor announced this week the acquisition of Farmers’ Implement locations in Columbus and Allenton, effective June 1. With these additions, Johnson Tractor will have captured
Through this transition, Farmers’ Implement customers will gain access to Johnson Tractor’s broader parts network, service resources, and technical expertise, while continuing to work with the local teams they know and trust.
“Expanding into these communities allows us to build on the strong relationships already in place and provide additional resources that support our customers’ operations,” said Eric Reuterskiold, CEO of Johnson Tractor. “Our goal is to combine local knowledge with the strength of a larger organization to better serve growers and equipment owners across the region.”
The acquisition will provide customers with expanded service capabilities and access to Johnson Tractor’s full range of equipment support and solutions, helping ensure consistent and dependable service moving forward.
Employees will join a growing dealership group that emphasizes training, development, and long-term investment in its people and communities.
Operations will continue seamlessly throughout the transition as Johnson Tractor begins integrating systems and processes over time.
This acquisition reflects Johnson Tractor’s continued commitment to thoughtful growth across Wisconsin and Illinois, with a focus on strengthening local dealerships and customer relationships.
Hemp Fight Continues – Lab Meat In The Wings
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State Senator Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) is spearheading a legislative push to define the future of Wisconsin’s dinner plates and its burgeoning hemp market. As Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee, Testin tells Pam Jahnke that his goal is consumer transparency for emerging food technologies while simultaneously keeping the local hemp industry from collapsing under shifting federal rules.
Lab-Grown Meat: “Petri Dish vs. Pasture”
Testin recently held public hearings on Senate Bill 560, a measure that would mandate clear labeling for food products containing cultured animal cells. Testin argues that Wisconsin families have a right to know if their meat was raised on a traditional farm or cultivated in a laboratory.
- Labeling Requirements: The bill requires any lab-grown meat sold in Wisconsin to be explicitly labeled as such on retail packaging and restaurant menus.
- Restaurant Restrictions: Under the proposal, restaurants would be prohibited from serving lab-grown products as a substitute for traditional meat unless a customer specifically requests it.
- Industry Stance: Testin framed the bill as a “truth-in-labeling” approach designed to protect the integrity of Wisconsin’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industry.
The Fight to Save Wisconsin Hemp
While the meat debate focuses on the future, Testin’s work on the state’s hemp industry is about immediate survival. Amidst a looming federal ban on many hemp-derived THC variants, Testin has authored bipartisan legislation to create a “safe haven” for the state’s industry through strict local regulation.
- Sensible Regulation: Testin’s proposal would treat hemp-derived products similar to alcohol, imposing a 21-and-up age limit for purchases and capping THC levels at 10 milligrams per serving.
- Public Safety First: The bill mandates independent lab testing for every batch and requires scannable QR codes on packaging so consumers can verify product contents.
- Economic Impact: Testin highlighted that the global hemp market is expected to reach $48 billion by 2032, and Wisconsin—once a national leader in cultivation—risks losing thousands of jobs without clear state-level rules.
Testin emphasized that these regulations are about “personal choice and responsibility,” comparing the use of hemp products to having a few beers at a Friday night fish fry.
Wisconsin Hemp Industry Stands At The Brink
Wisconsin was one of the nation’s leading hemp producers in the first half of the 20th century. It looked poised to become a leader again in 2026. Then came the “Big, Beautiful Bill” that contains language that could completely dismantle the industry nationwide.
For context, the 2018 Farm Bill played a key role in reinvigorating hemp . At that time, hemp was also removed from the Federal Substances Act. That also helped jump start Wisconsin’s hemp industry again. According to the Wisconsin Hemp Alliance, in 2018 the then Wisconsin Hemp Research Pilot Program issued 245 grower licenses and 97 processor licenses in that first year. After that, interest and licensing of hemp-related activities increased about five-fold.
🥊 The Battle for Wisconsin’s $ Multi-Billion Hemp Industry
Wisconsin’s hemp industry—which produces everything from clothing to popular food/beverage items—is facing an existential threat from a new federal law. The “Big, Beautiful Bill,” included a measure that could completely wipe out the nationwide hemp market.
Now, state lawmakers are scrambling to protect local businesses from this federal hammer.
🛡️ A Local Lifeline: Senate Bill 682
State Senator Pat Testin is leading the charge with Senate Bill 682 (SB 682). This bill is designed to create a “safe haven” in Wisconsin by establishing clear, protective state-level regulations.
It’s a “just right” balance, according to Testin, aiming to keep the industry thriving while prioritizing public safety. The legislation is receiving bipartisan support. Currently 5 Republicans and 4 Democrats. A rare feat in today’s political climate.
Key safety measures in the bill for the general public include:
- A “21 and over” rule for purchasing any hemp products containing intoxicating THC variants.
- Mandatory independent lab testing for every single batch to ensure product safety and accurate labeling.
- Strict safety packaging and labeling requirements, including scannable QR codes for detailed product analysis.
- Specific THC limits, like capping single-serving beverages at just 10 milligrams of total THC.
🗓️ What’s Next?
The fate of this vital local industry and the businesses it supports hangs in the balance. A public hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, January 8, 2026, where lawmakers will discuss the proposed bill.
This isn’t just about farmers; it’s about a $28.4 billion national industry that thousands of Wisconsin residents rely on for jobs and products they use every day. The outcome of this debate could determine if Wisconsin keeps its hemp businesses afloat, or if they will be dismantled by federal regulation.
Wolf Delisting Vote Could Come Thursday
On Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, a high-stakes decision in Washington, D.C., could fundamentally change the landscape of the American wild. The full House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, also known as H.R. 845. This significant legislation would strip the gray wolf of its federal protections by reissuing the 2020 final rule and, crucially, would ensure the decision is not subject to judicial review.
For Wisconsin, this isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a local reality. As the U.S. House prepares to vote on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845), we dive into the latest Wisconsin wolf population data and movement patterns with the DNR. Wolf sightings and depredation reports have climbed south of Highway 29. Large Carnivore Specialist, Randy Johnson of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), joined Pam Jahnke to discuss the current state of the Wisconsin wolf population.
Johnson estimates between 1,000 and 1,200 wolves currently reside in the state. While the majority remain concentrated in the northern forested regions, a new generation is establishing a firm foothold in the central forest regions. These animals are nature’s ultimate endurance athletes, with females averaging 60 pounds and males often weighing between 80 and 90 pounds. Their physical build is designed for the hunt, featuring incredible jaw strength capable of crushing femur bones and a physiology built for constant movement.
Many residents wonder why they are seeing more wolves lately. Johnson explains that wolves are highly mobile, often patrolling a home range with a radius of 50 to 60 miles. By traveling 3 to 6 miles every single day, they naturally become more visible to the public. Furthermore, the spike in depredation reports may be attributed to better public education, as farmers and pet owners are now more familiar with the DNR’s reporting process than in previous years.
To keep a pulse on the population, the DNR is currently engaged in intensive monitoring efforts. This includes winter tracking, a massive cooperative effort between state and federal employees and public volunteers to map tracks across the landscape. Additionally, the department is currently monitoring roughly 40 Wisconsin wolves fitted with GPS collars to provide real-time data on pack movements.
As the H.R. 845 vote nears, Wisconsin remains at the heart of the national conversation. Whether you view the wolf as a symbol of the wilderness or a threat to your livelihood, the upcoming decision could mark a pivotal moment in the state’s history.
Farming On An Island – Morning Star Bison
Being a farmer on Vancouver Island brings with it unique challenges. Purchasing feed and marketing product get complicated and expensive. This year there’s even more anxiety with drought and wildfires raging. Challenges aren’t anything new for Bob Wilson of Morning Star Bison.
Wilson didn’t start off as a bison rancher. Initially his career was focused on raising top end Aberdeen Angus to serve Canada and the U.S. Then “Mad Cow Disease” changed his career trajectory. “The Americans shut the border to beef,” he says. That “end” brought a new beginning for Wilson in bison production. He says instead of starting with a small herd, he opted to start with bison calves. “That gave us a chance to get to know each other”, Wilson says. From those calves his herd once blossomed to as many as 150 animals on his 200 acre ranch.
Now, Wilson’s dodging wildfires at the perimeter of his ranch. He’s already started supplementing their diets with expensive alfalfa cubes. Wilson anticipates that if things get worse, he’ll be forced to sell more of his remaining 50 head. Fortunately, he’s finding fairly good markets for his bison meat. Most of his meat stays on Vancouver Island, but he also sells batches of animals to the mainland. Right now he’s getting about $10/lb (US) for ground bison burger; $11.50/lb for roasts and $13/lb for steaks. His bison meat will circulate as far east as Montreal, with carryover into the eastern U.S.
Wilson’s also doing some soul searching on the future. He says there’s no family members interested in taking over the ranch. He’s also aware that as he ages, his reflexes are getting a little slower. He admits, that’s dangerous when you’re working with a bull that can weigh a ton. Still, Wilson finds great peace and pleasure every morning when he looks out at his herd – home on the range.
Have Drone Will Travel
In the heart of Wisconsin, where sprawling fields of corn and soybean meet lush forestry, a technological revolution is quietly taking flight. Drone technology is emerging as a game-changer for farmers and forestry managers, enhancing productivity and sustainability while addressing challenges posed by climate change and resource management. Ben Becker from Penguin Drones is staking his future on production agriculture needing the technology, and the consuming public becoming comfortable with the technology looming overhead.
Wisconsin farmers are always looking for innovative solutions to maximize crop yields and managing resources efficiently. Drones offer a suite of capabilities that can answer their needs. From aerial surveys that provide real-time data on crop health to precision spraying that minimizes chemical use, the applications are vast and varied. Plus, that drone doesn’t depend on firm soil conditions or absolutely calm winds.
With a background in computer science, Becker understands the programmed technology he’s bringing to the field but it doesn’t take long to connect the financial return dots. One of the standout features of drone technology is its ability to conduct aerial applications, like targeted pesticide or fertilizer spraying. Becker says his drones not only reduce the amount of product used but also minimizes environmental impact. “Precision agriculture is not just about profit,” Becker emphasized. “It’s also about the stewardship of our land.”
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the use of drones in agriculture is expected to grow at an annual rate of over 30%, with Wisconsin leading the charge in adoption rates.
4th Of July Picnic Will Cost A Bit More
According to the latest informal Wisconsin Farm Bureau Marketbasket survey, the total cost of 12 food items used to host a summer cookout for 10 totaled $69.03, an increase of nearly 4% from last year’s state average. Broken down by plate, the cost of a summer cookout in Wisconsin is a little over $7 per person.
The same survey conducted on the national level by American Farm Bureau totaled $70.92 which is 30 cents lower than last year’s national average. Prices have remained high since the 2023 survey which saw the highest national average since the survey was initiated in 2013.
“Wisconsinites can expect to spend a bit more this Fourth of July holiday,” said WFBF Senior Director of Public Relations Cassie Sonnentag. “These prices are a reflection of inflation and lower availability of certain food items.”
PROTEINS DRIVE STATE INCREASE
Ground beef, pork chops, chicken breasts and eggs saw notable increases in this year’s state survey. Both eggs and chicken breasts are seeing elevated prices, although lower than record highs earlier this year as chicken populations recover from avian influenza across the country.
Both the state and national survey saw increases in ground beef prices. While the national average is up 4.4% at $13.33 for two pounds, the state average came in at $11.85, a 6.6% jump from last year. According to AFBF economists, these prices reflect fewer cattle available for processing which impacts the country’s supply.
A notable difference between the state and national survey was found in the price of pork chops. Nationally, three pounds of pork chops are down 8.8% from last year at $14.13. Wisconsin, however, saw a 4.3% increase ringing in at $13.93.
However, inflated grocery store prices are not an indication of higher paychecks for farmers.
“Farmers are price takers, not price makers,” said Sonnentag. “Costs at the farm level are up, as well, while the farmer’s share of the food dollar remains at just 15 cents.”
CHANGES IN FOOD SHOPPING HABITS
Despite ongoing concerns about inflation and tariffs, the Food Industry Association reports that shopping habits have remained stable. American shoppers are using apps, lists and budgets now more than ever to stretch food dollars. Two-thirds of grocery shoppers report using online grocery services and 12% report using these services almost exclusively.
With the rise in use of these services, it is comforting for shoppers to know they can still support farms close to home even as they explore ways to stretch their budgets.
“Identifying local food brands, taking advantage of sale prices and buying what’s in season, regardless of how you shop, is a simple way to reduce your overall spend,” added Sonnentag.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Gather Wisconsin is an online resource you can leverage in learning more about these topics. The website includes information on seasonal shopping, brands local to Wisconsin and food safety guides.
These resources and more are available now at www.gatherwisconsin.com.
The July Cookout Survey is part of Farm Bureau’s Marketbasket series, which also includes an annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey.
Members of Wisconsin Farm Bureau collected price samples of 12 food items in 22 communities across Wisconsin in June.
Budget Is The Focus – Small Victories On The Way
Lawmakers aren’t wasting time in Madison. They’re fully focused on crafting the state’s next budget. Wisconsin Senator Patrick Testin, Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Revenue Committee says although there haven’t been a lot of “ag” items on their agenda, the rural community hasn’t been overlooked.
In a conversation with Pam Jahnke, Testin says he’s still keeping his focus on key components like continuing the Agricultural Road Improvement Program (ARIP), and hopefully with more financial resources. While that programs been immensely popular in rural Wisconsin, there’s another bipartisan piece of work that could mean equally good things in rural communities.
Testin says that the acute shortage of qualified medical providers in rural Wisconsin means people may be waiting months for an appointment with their doctor – or any doctor! The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Modernization Act (APRN) authorizes qualified registered nurses to practice independently and without the need for a collaborative agreement with a physician – so long as the cases do not fall outside their areas of expertise.
Cool, Wet Weather Threatens Wisconsin Wheat
University Extension staff are spreading the word that it’s time to keep an eye on winter wheat for possible head and leaf diseases. Dr. Shawn Conley, UW-Extension Small Grains Specialist, says they’ve already recorded their first confirmed case of stripe rust. According to Badger Crop Network, the detection was made in a vulnerable field in Arlington and has been sprayed.
Conley says that the cool, wet weather Wisconsin’s experienced is also creating ideal conditions for head diseases to develop on our winter wheat fields. Conley notes that most fields have already had their initial fungicide applications in southern counties, but that northern regions may still have time to apply.
