Rep. Warren Petryk

Wisconsin is renowned globally as "America's Dairyland," and we are immensely proud of it, especially in the 93rd Assembly District, which is predominantly farm populated. With June being National Dairy Month, it is a time to honor our farmers and their continued dedication to their communities and the environment, as well as to recognize the importance of the dairy industry to our state's economy. In fact, the 1.28 million cows help our dairy industry generate $45.6 billion each year for Wisconsin’s economy!

To commemorate Dairy Month and our dairy industry, there will be a variety of dairy breakfasts throughout the month where you can learn more about local dairy farms and meet the committed families who keep them running while eating great, home-cooked meals prepared with fresh Wisconsin-produced dairy products.

As a kid growing up in Dunn County, I always looked forward to the dairy breakfasts, especially eating the ice cream with the wooden spoon I got with the meal! I particularly loved the farm trips, where I learned about all the modern equipment and even had the opportunity to bottle-feed a calf. In doing so, I can't think of a greater way to celebrate and commemorate the hard work and sacrifices of farmers in our communities than to attend a dairy breakfast.

Below are a listing of the events being held throughout the month, and you can find more details about each one at https://www.wisconsindairy.org

Pepin – June 8, 6:30-11 a.m., Koller Farm, Mondovi

Eau Claire – June 15, 7-11 a.m., Bischoff Farms, Eau Claire

Pierce – June 15, 7:30-11 a.m., LoRan Rolling Acres, Plum City

Buffalo – June 22, 7-11 a.m., Mar-Bec Dairy, Mondovi

Trempealeau- June 22, 6-11 a.m., Bart-Mar Farms, Osseo

Dunn - June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gilbertson Family Farm, Elk Mound

And, as you organize your calendar, keep in mind that the Republican Legislature has continued to support this critical business in our state this year. That is why the state's farm export program received millions of dollars in additional funding this session to help expand exports by 25%. Furthermore, the legislature included funding for the Agriculture Roads Improvement Program, which created a separate fund to assist in the rehabilitation of rural Wisconsin roads.

And, as our farms continue to compete in a global economy, we must cut rather than raise our state's tax rate. That is why I was dismayed to see the governor and local Democratic lawmakers endorse a $600 million tax increase on our manufacturing and agricultural industries. Raising taxes is not a wise policy while our farmers are still battling to recover from the pandemic's impacts, while also dealing with growing expenses and inflation.

Thank you to all the farmers out there that continue to give back to our communities and help feed the world.