Madison Reporter

Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited the Center for Dairy Research in the UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to see how the center is supporting new dairy businesses. During her visit, Baldwin had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and discussions with experts in the field.

Baldwin learned about the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a program aimed at assisting new and expanding dairy businesses in the Midwest. The program, funded through the federal Farm Bill, has awarded 175 grants, with over 75 going to Wisconsin businesses. According to CDR Director John Lucey, the funding has helped improve on-farm environmental sustainability, expand exports, develop new products, and increase access to retail markets.

The legislation behind the DBIA, sponsored by Senator Baldwin, focuses on increasing on-farm diversification and creating new value-added dairy products. Lucey highlighted that half of the grants awarded in Wisconsin have supported farmstead businesses that have expanded into producing specialty dairy products.

The DBIA projects have a total value exceeding $120 million, with ongoing support provided through consulting and business planning assistance by CDR experts and industry professionals. The program continues to grow, with the recent federal spending package allocating $12 million to the national Dairy Business Innovation Initiative.

Throughout her visit, Baldwin interacted with various stakeholders in the dairy industry, including representatives from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. The discussions and hands-on experiences at the Center for Dairy Research provided Baldwin with valuable insights into how UW is contributing to the success of dairy businesses in the region.