Wisconsin Farm Bureau: Ag Day at the Capitol is tomorrow

Contact: Casey Langan, Director of Public Relations

608-828-5711

MADISON — A crowd of over 500 farmers from across the state are expected to arrive in Madison tomorrow for Ag Day at the Capitol.

Ag Day at the Capitol is the largest annual gathering where farmers meet with their legislators to inform them about the state’s $51 billion agriculture industry.

“Ag Day kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with a top-notch panel of speakers and a briefing on the top issues of the day,” said Casey Langan, Wisconsin Farm Bureau spokesman. “This year that will include an insider’s update on the state budget, and upcoming farm and environmental issues.”

State Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore) and State Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), who chair the agriculture committees in each house of the Legislature will address Ag Day attendees. Joining them will be Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen.

“Attendees will also be given pointers on how to be proactive on the animal welfare and food-versus-fuel debates,” Langan said.

Registration at the Monona Terrace Convention Center opens at 11:30 a.m. Following the 12:30 p.m. issues briefing, farmers will take the short walk to the State Capitol to meet with their elected leaders at 3 p.m. A buffet dinner will be held at 5 p.m. at the Monona Terrace. Those who have not registered, but would still like to attend can pay $20 at the registration desk.

Rural Mutual Insurance Company and GROWMARK are major sponsors of the event. Other organizations cosponsoring Ag Day at the Capitol with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation include: National Farmers Organization, Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, Wisconsin Pork Association, Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Soybean Association, Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Veal Growers Association, Wisconsin Horse Council, Wisconsin Women for Agriculture, and The Country Today newspaper.