MADISON, Wis. – Two state lawmakers are teaming up to expand and promote Wisconsin's agricultural products.

What You Need To Know

  • Legislation proposed Monday would create an agricultural export program for Wisconsin

  • The program would set a goal of increasing exports of several commodities by at least 25%

  • $5M in funding would be used to increase the value of various Wisconsin commodities

Like many farms, Hinchley's Dairy Farm in Cambridge is a family business, but to keep that legacy going the owners say it hinges on price control.

A family-owned and operated dairy farm since 1958, the Hinchley's are busy with more than 400 registered dairy cattle, 240 of which they milk every single day.

“We're looking towards the future,” Tina Hinchley said. “I have a daughter that's coming into business with us. She wants to know that it's going to be a viable business and industry for her.”
 

Tina Hinchley (right), and her daughter Anna (left), feed cattle on their farm in Cambridge, Wis.


Hinchley just wants to pay her debts without relying on government programs or subsidies.

“Having some sort of price control or some sort of mechanism where we can actually be benefitted by all the work we put in,” Hinchley said. “This building here, this was a $3 million investment, and if we don't have the ability to pay that back, we're gonna lose our farm.”

State Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and State Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) put forth a plan Monday to help boost exports.

Their bill would require the state's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to create an agriculture exports program.

That program would set specific goals for increasing both exports and the value of Wisconsin commodities.

The bill would require WEDC and the Center of International Agribusiness Marketing in DATCP to achieve the following export objectives by June 30, 2026:

  • Increase the value of Wisconsin's milk and other dairy products by at least 25% over the value as of December 31, 2021
  • Increase the value of Wisconsin's meat exports, including poultry and fish, by at least 25% over the value as of December 31, 2021
  • Increase the value of Wisconsin's crop and crop product exports by at least 25% over the value as of December 31, 2021

“We want to expand at least 25% in a few years,” Kurtz said. “You know, one time the cheesemakers and I talked about doubling in a decade. I would love to try to do something like that for our state, to have a goal, and this bill provides those metrics.”

The proposal also seeks $5 million to divvy up on increasing the value of Wisconsin's dairy, meat, and crop exports.

  • $2,500,000 devoted to increasing the value of milk and other dairy product exports
  • $1,250,000 devoted to increasing the value of meat exports
  • $1,250,000 devoted to increasing the value of crop exports

Though the Hinchley's are exporting crops right now, they can't help but wonder how long that will last.
 

Tina Hinchley feeds calves on her farm as a part of her daily routine.


“We need to make sure that any of those exports are going to be something that's going to be beneficial for us in the long run,” Hinchley said. "So, are we going to be able to guarantee that China is going to still keep buying soybeans and corn? We don't know.”

More markets could mean more money, but Hinchley wishes she had more of a guarantee she won't be stuck with a surplus someday soon.