Wisconsin lost 638 dairy farms in 2018, according to the latest data from the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. That’s a 7.25 percent decline in the number of registered dairy herds — the biggest drop since records started in 2004. > Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin farm leaders celebrated Congress’s action on the 2018 Farm Bill this week. But most agriculture groups agree the bill won’t bring big changes for the state’s farming industry. Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union, called the bill the “status quo.” > Wisconsin Public Radio
Gov.-elect Tony Evers has formed two advisory panels: one to guide him in changing Wisconsin’s corrections system and another to advise him on agriculture, energy and natural resources in a vow to “bring science back to decision-making”. > Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin State Journal
Drinking water hasn’t been a huge issue in the race for governor, but it’s everything for the people in Kewaunee County — the poster child for water quality concerns in Wisconsin. Democratic challenger Tony Evers says a lack of local input and DNR scientists are to blame. > Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin is on pace for losing the most dairy farms this year since 2013. According to the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin lost 47 dairy farms in August alone, and 429 since the start of the year. > FOX 11 Green Bay
Retaliatory tariffs on dairy may put dairy farmers in Wisconsin, a state won by Donald Trump in 2016, up for political grabs in this year’s midterm elections. > NPR
Wisconsin’s agricultural trade associations had a mixed reaction to President Donald Trump’s promise of $12 billion in aid for farmers impacted by his trade war with foreign countries. While there was appreciation for the funding, the groups say members want trade not aid. > Wisconsin Public Radio
