The dairy industry in Eau Claire, Wisconsin has seen a remarkable surge in recent years, and this growth has been largely attributed to the availability of resources. The Dairy Business Innovation Act (DBIA) and the State Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII) have provided resources to both budding and established companies that produce dairy products. These initiatives have enabled dairy processors and producers to expand their businesses and innovate for the future. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has backed the reauthorization of the DBIA and the recommended increase in funding for the SDBII. This has allowed for a few large dairy farms in the Southwest to produce more certified organic milk than the 450 organic dairies in Wisconsin combined. Often referred to as factory farms or mega-farms, these industrial farms can house thousands of cows in huge metal buildings.
The number of these industrial dairy farms in Wisconsin has increased by 55% in less than a decade, to 279 farms, according to figures from the Department of Natural Resources. Factory farms have been acknowledged for their ability to take advantage of their size and modernize dairy production for the U. S.Critics argue that factory farms break regulations that require, among other things, that cows spend a minimum amount of time grazing for milk to be certified organic. Hall's Calf Ranch, an industrial farm that sowed manure, was not in compliance with these regulations according to DNR documents. Most factory farms in Wisconsin are family owned, although there are outside investors in some operations.
These resources have enabled dairy producers and processors to expand their businesses and innovate for the future. The reauthorization of the DBIA and increased funding for the SDBII will ensure that more companies can benefit from these resources.
The Benefits of Resources on Dairy Farms
The availability of resources has been instrumental in driving growth in the dairy industry in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The DBIA and SDBII have provided resources to both potential and established companies that produce dairy products. These initiatives have enabled dairy processors and producers to expand their businesses and innovate for the future. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has supported the reauthorization of the DBIA and the recommended increase in funding for the SDBII.This has allowed for a handful of large dairy farms in the Southwest to produce more certified organic milk than the 450 organic dairies in Wisconsin combined.
