Dairy Producer Surveys
DATCP Dairy Processor Grants
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection administers a Dairy Processor Grant program whose goal is to foster innovation, improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.
Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant in Wisconsin engaged in pasteurizing, processing or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process. A total grant up to $50,000 is available per dairy processor per year. The dairy processor is required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount.
Grant applications are customized by each processor and can be used to hire consultants to address a wide range of business needs including food safety, staff training or modernization.
2021 Dairy Processor Grant Recipients
Farm Center Supports Dairy Development
Today, Wisconsin is home to more than one million dairy cows and a growing segment of goats and sheep. Dairy production is by far the largest agricultural sector in the state, generating $43.4 billion annually for Wisconsin’s economy. There’s no other land where the dairy industry is more vital, supported and understood.
The Wisconsin Farm Center, part of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's Division of Agricultural Development, provides assistance to dairy farmers, without regard to size or type, focusing on creating long-term, sustainable operations. The Center, with its staff of professionals who come from diverse agricultural backgrounds, can provide dairy farmers and family members a wide range of information and outreach services. The center also serves as a resource to connect farmers with many state, university and federal programs. The staff and trained volunteers provide guidance and assistance to help people find the services and information they need.
Other Agricultural Organizations
Wisconsin agricultural organizations listed here also offer resources for dairy producers and processors.
Cooperative Network
Cooperative Network is committed to building Wisconsin’s and Minnesota’s cooperative businesses. Cooperative Network provides government relations, education, marketing, and technical services for a wide variety of cooperatives including farm supply, health, dairy marketing, consumer, financial, livestock marketing, telecommunications, electric, housing, insurance, worker-owned cooperatives, and more.
Dairy Business Association
DBA is an industry organization comprised of dairy producers, corporate and allied industry supporters. DBA promotes the growth and success of all dairy farms in Wisconsin by fostering a positive business and political environment.
Dairy Business Innovation Alliance
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) that will support dairy farmers and dairy processors. The DBIA offers grants, direct technical assistance, and workshops.
Grassworks, Inc.
GrassWorks provides leadership, education and resources for grass-based farmers and regional organizations that support graziers. Grassworks increases awareness of the benefits of managed grazing among farmers, policy makers and the general public.
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
PDPW offers education and information valuable to dairy operations. PDPW connects you with helpful resources including other dairy producers, industry leaders and experts, world-class scientists and researchers, and preferred suppliers.
UW-Extension
The University of Wisconsin-Extension works in partnership with 26 UW System campuses, 72 Wisconsin counties, three tribal governments, and other public and private organizations to fulfill its public service mission. Through statewide outreach networks, UW-Extension connects university research to the specific needs and interests of residents and communities.
Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability
The University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability develops and delivers effective interdisciplinary education and applied research to dairy farms and dairy industry service providers resulting in sustainable profitable decisions, and a healthy and progressive dairy industry.
Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research
CDR’s vision is to enhance the competitive position of the dairy industry. CDR will be the leader in innovative strategic dairy foods research, technology and applications development, training, and education.
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association gives voice to Wisconsin dairy processors on national and state issues that impact our businesses. WCMA is advocate for fair and reasonable regulation and legislation, offers communication about the industry, and provides educational workshops, seminars and special services to member businesses.
Wisconsin Dairy Products Association
Wisconsin Dairy Products Association represents all segments of the dairy industry and offers educational opportunities for its members to improve their business operations. WDPA's primary goal is to represent its members in the formation and adoption of rules and regulations pertaining to the dairy products industry.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general farm organization representing farms of all sizes, commodities and management styles. The mission of Farm Bureau is to lead the farm and rural community through legislative representation, education, public relations and leadership development.
Wisconsin Farmers Union
Wisconsin Farmers Union is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors and civic engagement.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin/Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) is a nonprofit organization funded by Wisconsin dairy farmers. WMMB promotes the sale and consumption of the more than 600 varieties, types and styles of Wisconsin Cheese and other dairy products from America's Dairyland.
Wisconsin National Farmers Organization
National Farmers offers commodity marketing and ag risk management programs and services. National Farmers works to put profit in American farm enterprises.