Environmental, ag groups team up for clean water, successful farms
A partnership of four environmental and agricultural groups is advocating for policy changes to support clean water and thriving farms.
Agribusiness
Real Christmas trees are in high demand
Demand for a robust crop of Christmas trees from Wisconsin growers is surging this year.
Farmers market to move to pavilion for December
To allow for colder, seasonal weather, the Dane County Farmers’ Market will hold food pickups on Wednesdays in December inside Pavillion 2 at the Alliant Energy Center.
Midwest Horse Fair director sentenced to probation
Rhonda Reese, 53, the former executive director of the Midwest Horse Fair, was sentenced to three years of probation.
Health officials to take up groundwater standards
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is recommending new groundwater quality standards for 22 contaminants that it says will ensure safe drinking water for Wisconsin residents.
County farms receive share of $8 million in second round of farm support
Dane County will receive $334,975 in the second round of funding from the Wisconsin Farm Support Program, a joint program between the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Manure treatment system installed near Middleton
A new $1.65 million system outside of Middleton to separate water from cow manure is now part of Dane County’s clean water efforts.
Dane County makes $3M conservation land purchase
To prevent flooding, protect water resources, and create more outdoor recreation, Dane County has made its largest conservation land purchase of 2020 in the town of Verona.
Wisconsin lands could benefit from new federal legislation
The Great American Outdoors Act that was recently signed into law could bring big investments to Wisconsin public outdoor spaces.
$41.6M farm support program opens second round
The Wisconsin Farm Support Program, a joint program between the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), has distributed a total of $41.6 million to nearly 12,000 Wisconsin farmers with each recipient receiving a $3,500 payment.
DATCP taking applications for watershed grants
The Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced that applications for the Producer-Led Watershed Protection grant program are due Sept. 21.
Aid program for farmers reopens to use $9M in remaining funds
Fewer applications than expected have prompted the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to reopen its coronavirus relief program for state farmers.
Mink farming industry warned of COVID-19 risks
Animal health officials in Wisconsin are warning the state’s $223 million mink industry farmers about the risk of COVID-19 infections among animals after multiple European farms have reported outbreaks.
Two popular Madison attractions reopen
Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Henry Vilas Zoo have reopened after the COVID-19 mandatory shutdown.
Planned Sun Prairie drive-thru vet clinic a first of its kind
Marty Greer and Dan Griffiths, a husband-and-wife team of veterinarians, are planning a drive-thru veterinary clinic for Sun Prairie, and they believe it will be a first in the U.S.
Dane County representative joins commission on rural prosperity
Gov. Tony Evers has appointed Tom Landgraf, principal of Madison-based Dimension Development LLC to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity.
World Dairy Expo canceled
The World Dairy Expo, an event that draws more than 62,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries, has been canceled for 2020.
Gov. Evers appoints Romanski as DATCP Secretary
Randy Romanski has been appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to serve as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Thinking outside the bin
By government and public health decree, nonessential businesses including dine-in restaurants, bars, and food services were forced to close in mid-March until further notice to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Almost overnight, one Madison-based wholesale distributor catering to the restaurant and food service industry saw a 90% drop in its clientele due to circumstances beyond its control.
Groomed for growth
Serenity Pet Salon & Spa is a dog-only grooming startup owned by Lis De Souza. Until forced to close in March, the business was gaining clients every year.
