Today, Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein, Senators Melissa Ratcliff and Sarah Keyeski, and Representative Jenna Jacobson visited Hinchley Farms in Cambridge, Wisconsin, for the most recent stop on the Affordable Wisconsin Tour. The legislators toured the family farm with Tina Hinchley, a proud dairy farmer, gaining further insight into how they can craft legislation that benefits farms throughout Wisconsin.
Senate Democrats know that when Wisconsin’s dairy farms thrive, Wisconsin’s communities succeed. The dairy industry produces billions of dollars for the state annually and supports over 120,000 jobs. The legislators discussed their commitment to improving rural infrastructure, lowering operation costs, and ensuring Wisconsin dairy farms remain competitive for the next generation.
A clear takeaway from today’s tour: the President’s unnecessary trade war is leading to real consequences for all kinds of farmers across Wisconsin. The trade barriers have led to spikes in production costs—from fertilizer to machinery—cutting into the family farm’s bottom line. The administration’s tariff taxes are driving up costs for producers and consumers alike.
The challenges Wisconsin farmers are facing reflect the struggles of families across the state. Next year, when Democrats win a majority in the Senate, our Affordable Wisconsin Agenda will lower the cost of everyday essentials, allowing farmers like Tina to focus on what they do best: growing our state’s food and our economy.