To the editor,

Anyone following Wisconsin’s dairy industry is aware that small and medium sized dairy farms are struggling. According to statistics, WI dairy farms have decreased by 67% since 2002. Read that statistic again and let it sink in.

Meanwhile, big ag’s bully pulpit led by such organizations as the Dairy Business Association and Farm Bureau keep repeating the same misleading line, that all dairy farms are the same despite herd size, investment relationships and demands on rural communities.

After hearing from small and medium sized dairy farms who don’t have access to investment capital like many Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, Sen. Rob Stafsholt, Republican representing New Richmond, introduced Senate Bill 323 last July. The bill proposes a $20 million loan program for dairy farms with animal units under 1,000. Moneys would target expanding animal herd health practices and new equipment amongst other things. After passing the Senate, the bill is now in the Assembly where the DBA and Farm Bureau coerced representatives into eliminating the herd size cap giving CAFOS a shot at the funding. Stafsholt explained that the original intention of the bill is to help small and medium sized dairy farms who are struggling most.

I would argue that my neighbors, some of whom are small and medium-sized dairy farmers, are being undermined and hurt by the policies of DBA and Farm Bureau. I would also argue that our rural communities, like Rock Elm Township, where my family and I live, are stronger with a diverse group of small and medium sized dairy farms amongst us. And finally, I believe that it is the intent of corporate ag interests like those stated to continue their efforts to hurt small dairy farms with their policies.

If we are going to have small and medium sized farms survive, it needs to come from the ground up. We need Operations Ordinances at the town level and we need greater change in the state of Wisconsin with bills that support small farmers like SB 323.

Angelica Hollstadt

Rock Elm Township