MARSHFIELD — Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday the members of the Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0 at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. 

The Governor directed Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Sheila Harsdorf and University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross to establish the Task Force in early June. The Task Force will focus on making recommendations on actions needed to maintain a viable and profitable dairy industry in our state. 

In 1985, the UW System and DATCP Secretary appointed a Wisconsin Dairy Task Force comprised of 31 individuals including dairy farmers, milk processors and allied organizations. The Task Force met numerous times over the course of 14 months, and at its conclusion, unanimously approved an 82-page report that included findings and 75 recommendations for the industry. Many of the recommendations have been implemented over time to retain Wisconsin’s recognition as a dairy leader.

The economic impact of the dairy industry in Wisconsin is significant, employing nearly 80,000 jobs and generating $43.4 billion in state-wide economic impact every year — nearly half of agriculture’s total economic impact.

The local Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0 milk processors and marketers members include: Steve Bechel, Eau Galle Cheese Factory, Durand, and Dave Buholzer, Klondike Cheese Company, Monroe. 

Dr. Mark Stephenson, director of dairy policy analysis at UW-Madison, will chair the Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0. The Task Force is working to schedule their first meeting in August. 

Wisconsin Farm Technology Days have been held annually since 1954. This year’s event is hosted by D&B Sterweis Farms and Weber’s Farm Store/Heiman Holsteins in Wood County. The event lasts three days to showcase improvements in agriculture including research and technological developments. Last year almost 26,000 people attended the event held in Kewaunee County.

Gov. Walker declared July 10-12 as Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.