07-03-2025
Wisconsin Cheese Makers calling on Department of Ag to release of funding
MADISON, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is calling on the US Department of Agriculture to release federal funding, that was frozen last week, for successful Dairy Business Initiatives (DBI). DBI grants are reimbursable once a farmer is approved for a project, executes the project and uses the funds. For the Midwest, DBI funds help farming projects to continue. Except now, Wisconsin dairy farmers are noticing an impact on their businesses. Owner/Operator of Marieke Gouda, Marieke Penterman, explains, 'For us, we'll have to hold off on certain projects that we were planning to do that actually were creating jobs also and open up new markets for us here in America. We were hoping to continue that growth, and we currently have a grant that is frozen.'
Officials with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association add that many are concerned with tariffs, labor shortages and now frozen grant funds, adding that third pressure to an already stressed dairy industry.
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