Article Summary –
More than a dozen dairy processors in Wisconsin will receive up to $50,000 each in grants from the state’s agriculture department as part of a total $1.2 million program aimed at supporting and innovating the dairy industry. Governor Tony Evers emphasized the importance of this funding in countering the negative impact of trade policies from Donald Trump’s administration, while Secretary Randy Romanski highlighted the grants’ role in helping Wisconsin maintain its leadership in the dairy sector. Recipients include Widmer’s Cheese Cellars, which plans to use the grant for a new milk intake facility, and Pine River Dairy, which will update its butter packaging equipment, with both companies expressing gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to advance their operations.
Over a dozen dairy processors in Wisconsin will receive grants up to $50,000 each next year, announced by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. The initiative aims to support the state’s dairy industry, crucial for Wisconsin’s economy. Read more here.
Among the 2026 Dairy Processor Grant recipients, Widmer’s Cheese Cellars in Theresa is set to upgrade its milk intake facility. Joey Widmer, the fourth-generation cheesemaker and vice president of operations, highlighted the facility’s need for modernization due to its long history starting in 1922.
Widmer expressed gratitude for the grant and excitement about contributing to Wisconsin’s dairy industry growth. “We’re thankful to the state of Wisconsin for the support,” he stated.
The state has allocated $600,000 for 2026, requiring recipients to match at least 20% of the received funds. The total grant program budget is $1.2 million, boosted by $800,000 in the new state budget, as per Evers’ office.
Evers emphasized the importance of funding, citing challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s policies, including tariffs and trade wars affecting state farm families and producers. “We must ensure Wisconsin remains America’s Dairyland,” Evers declared.
Meanwhile, Trump asserts his trade policies bolster the U.S. economy.
Randy Romanski, leading the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, stressed the grants enable processors to innovate and meet consumer demands, maintaining Wisconsin’s dairy leadership.
Pine River Dairy in Manitowoc is also awarded funding for upgrading butter packaging equipment. Samantha Hammel, the quality assurance manager, expressed enthusiasm, acknowledging it as their first grant. “We’re excited and aim to utilize it effectively for the taxpayers,” she noted.
Widmer acknowledged the competitive nature of Wisconsin’s cheese industry, praising fellow cheesemakers. “There’s a lot of competition, but we respect the hard work in the industry,” he commented.
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