MADISON, Wis. —The Dairy Business Association, Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy organization, announced its 2023-24 legislative awards today. More than two dozen lawmakers earned the association’s recognition for their commitment to the state’s nearly $50 billion dairy industry.
Representative Travis Tranel, R-Cuba City, received DBA’s 2023-24 Legislative Champion Award, the association’s highest honor, for leading the effort to create the state’s Agriculture Roads Improvement Program. Tranel, a dairy farmer, serves as chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee where he has effectively guided numerous dairy initiatives through the legislative process. DBA is also awarding Legislative Excellence awards to more than two dozen lawmakers for their unwavering support of DBA priorities (listed below).
“DBA is incredibly proud of the bipartisan accomplishments in the legislature during the past session. Specifically, we commend Rep. Travis Tranel for his leadership on behalf of thousands of farm families across the state,” said Lee Kinnard, DBA president. “This past session demonstrated commitment to invest in dairy priorities that will further strengthen our state’s economy.”
The session’s most significant achievement was the creation of the $150 million ARIP. This funding is an important step in improving our rural infrastructure, which is vital to our state’s economic success. DBA also successfully led efforts to expand the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, extended eligibility to the popular producer-led watershed grant program and advocated for additional key economic investments that are aimed at improving dairy farmers’ bottom line.
“This past legislative session saw some incredible accomplishments in strengthening and expanding the state’s signature industry,” said Chad Zuleger, DBA director of government affairs. “From investing in agricultural roads to further enhancing water quality efforts, and to bolstering the state’s successful Farmland Preservation Program, this session saw deep bipartisan support for Wisconsin’s dairy farm families.”
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DBA is a nonprofit organization of Wisconsin dairy farmers, milk processors and business partners who work together to enhance the state’s dairy community through collaboration and innovation. It represents more than 250,000 cows in Wisconsin and more than 650 members.
For the 2023-24 legislative session, DBA prioritized policy that supports clean water initiatives, protects the integrity of Wisconsin dairy, ensures regulatory fairness and enhances rural communities.
“We are extremely thankful for these individuals and the work they do advocating for dairy at the Capitol. Their dedication is essential to ensuring our dairy community continues to thrive,” Kinnard said.
2023-24 Legislative Excellence Award recipients:
- Sen. Rob Cowles, R-Allouez
- Sen. Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee
- Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green
- Sen. Patrick Testin, R-Stevens Point
- Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk
- Sen. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan
- Sen. Jesse James, R-Altoona
- Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Cameron
- Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska
- Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit
- Sen. Jeff Smith, D-Brunswick
- Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay
- Rep. Jon Plumer, R-Lodi
- Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam
- Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc
- Rep. Ellen Schutt, R-Clinton
- Rep. Loren Oldenburg, R-Viroqua
- Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Fall Creek
- Rep. Clint Moses, R-Menomonie
- Rep. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville
- Rep. Warren Petryk, R-Town of Washington
- Rep. Treig Pronschinske, R-Mondovi
- Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, R-Tomah
- Rep. Clinton Anderson, D-Beloit
- Rep. Jenna Jacobson, D-Oregon
- Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point
- Rep. Dave Considine, D-Baraboo
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