Gov. Scott Walker signed legislation on Wednesday that makes key changes to the Wisconsin’s Agricultural Producer Security Program, which support the stability and growth of the agricultural industry.
As part of Senate Bill 599, the APSP, which is administered by the state’s agriculture department, would allow those who buy milk from a dairy producer to enter into a contract to pay that producer up to approximately five months after they get access to that milk.
Under the bill, a deferred payment contract for milk must be in writing, contain certain notices, and meet certain other requirements. Current law requires buyers of milk make certain portions of the payment for that milk by the 4th and the 19th days of the next month.
The bill also requires DATCP to promulgate rules that establish an additional license assessment that a milk producer must pay for entering into a deferred payment contract, and requires a person who buys milk under a deferred payment contract to file and maintain security with DATCP, in certain situations, until it is eligible to be released.
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association applauded the change, saying the success of Wisconsin’s dairy industry is dependent not only on farms, but also on legislators who understand business owners’ needs to respond to fluctuating market prices.
“Deferred milk payments can help dairy farms manage income and profitability, which boosts the overall fiscal health of our industry,” said WCMA Director John Umhoefer.
Meanwhile, Walker also signed legislation that would allow minors to be employed by a family business without a child labor permit.
Source: Wisconsin Ag Connection