The Screwworm Threat: A growing risk to U.S. cattle and dairy producers
Source: Michael Best
As the livestock industry manages its way through H5N1, the recent confirmation of New World screwworm (NWS) in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León, is just 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. This marks the northernmost detection of this parasite in decades and constitutes the next big challenge for the health of the industry.
USDA ‘Prepared’ for looming government shutdown, layoffs possible
Source: Farm Policy News
Meatingplace’s Frank Fuhrig reported that “the USDA says it is ready in the event of a federal government shutdown Wednesday in the absence of budget legislation, while opposition Democrats in Congress are warning of potential further cuts to the federal workforce, which the White House has threatened. A shutdown will occur when the 2025 fiscal year ends Tuesday night, unless a continuing resolution is passed.”
Dairy farmers deserve advocacy that is rooted in facts and solutions
Source: Voice of Milk
The Voice of Milk is standing up for Wisconsin dairy farmers. A recent report on nitrate contamination makes sweeping claims using statewide averages and overlooks the complexity of farming practices. Voice of Milk and our farmer members know real progress comes from science-based solutions and collaboration. Through farmer-led conservation groups, we’ve proven that locally driven efforts improve water quality while keeping farms strong.
Trump EPA announces next steps on regulatory PFOA and PFOS cleanup efforts, provides update on liability and passive receiver issues
Source: EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced next steps regarding regulatory efforts to address cleanup of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
While U.S. leads milk component growth, butterfat may be growing too fast
Source: CoBank
Responding to milk price signals over the past decade coming from consumer demand for more nutrient-dense dairy products, U.S. dairy farms delivered milk with growing levels of butterfat and protein – the components for making cheese, butter and yogurt.
DATCP has proposed changes to ATCP 10 (Animal Disease and Movement) and ATCP 12 (Animal Markets, Dealers, and Truckers)—which include dramatic fee hikes and added paperwork burdens. Your input is crucial.
Why Your Voice Matters:
These rules propose steep fee increases across markets, dealers, truckers, and CVIs.
The costs will be passed on to farmers—without viable relief or phase-in mechanisms.
Newly proposed recordkeeping requirements (like GPS reporting) add complexity and rely on third parties.
DBA opposes the rule as drafted, and urges DATCP to pause, review, and meaningfully engage with dairy producers, service providers, and other stakeholders.
What to Do Now
Send a letter to the address below or an email to Angela.Fisher1@wisconsin.gov voicing your concerns. Comments are being accepted until October 15, so act now.
Angela Fisher Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection P.O. Box 8911 Madison, WI 53708
Wisconsin race for governor 2026: Who is running?
Source: ABC WISN 12
The race for Wisconsin's next governor is well underway as Democrats and Republicans announce their bids, marking the state's first wide-open gubernatorial contest since 2010.
The list of candidates in the race for Wisconsin governor has continued to grow since Democratic Gov. Tony Evers announced July 24 that he will not seek a third term.
Gov. Evers, WisDOT announce first round of 2025-27 Agricultural Roads Improvement Program Grant applications to open October 6
Source: Gov. Evers
Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), today announced the first round of Agricultural Roads Improvement Program (ARIP) grants funded by the 2025-27 Biennial Budget will open for application on Mon., Oct. 6, 2025. This application period will distribute $50 million in ARIP funding to support projects across the state focused on improving rural roads and culverts that are critical to moving and transporting agricultural and forestry products efficiently and effectively across the state.