Rep. Summerfield Announces Dairy Innovation Hub
Proposal seeks solutions to Wisconsin dairy concerns
Madison – Earlier today, Representative Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer), along with Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City), Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Vice President of the Dairy Business Association Board Amy Penterman, and university officials, held a joint press conference to introduce legislation establishing a Dairy Innovation Hub in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin has always been known for its world-class dairy,” said Rep. Summerfield. “This is a crucial step forward for our farmers; keeping Wisconsin at the cutting-edge of dairy innovation.”
The legislation would appropriate $7.9 million annually to create and fund the hub – a research focused initiative that seeks to tackle the issues currently facing the dairy industry. Spread across three universities, UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls, the Dairy Innovation Hub would provide teachers and students alike greater resources to build collaborative networks and create new approaches to solve the age-old problems facing Wisconsin farmers.
“The dairy industry is already a huge economic driver for Wisconsin, contributing $43 billion annually,” Rep. Summerfield concluded. “This proposal has the ability to complement our already renowned dairy system, open up new markets, and solidify the dairy industry for future generations in our State.”
Click the following link for a video clip from Rep. Summerfield on his reaction to the announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfHkSynw_ls&feature=youtu.be
Click the following link for a press release from the Dairy Business Association for more information on the proposal: http://www.thewheelerreport.com/wheeler_docs/files/0501dba.pdf
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The 67th Assembly District includes portions of Dunn and Chippewa counties.