Dept. of Commerce: Gov. Doyle Announce Milk Volume Production Loan

Contact:
Tony Hozeny, 608/267-9661

MADISON— Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that Harold and Thomas Levendoski, Clear Lake, Polk County, will receive a milk volume production loan totaling $150,000 to expand and modernize their dairy operation.

“My Grow Wisconsin initiative calls for investing in our agricultural industry to improve prospects for future growth and development,” Gov. Doyle said. “By providing low-interest loans for dairy producers seeking to expand their milk production capacity, we assist Wisconsin cheesemakers in having a supply of high-quality Wisconsin milk that will allow them to continue to meet the demands of the cheese market.”

“We are committed to promoting rural economic development and strengthening the agricultural infrastructure,” Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Cory L. Nettles said. “The loan will allow Harold and Thomas Levendoski to increase production efficiency.”

Harold and Thomas Levendoski milk 470 cows and farms 2,274 acres. They are investing $1.2 million to expand and modernize the dairy operation. This project will create three positions and retain seven positions. The loan will be used to add 300 cows to the facility.

All Wisconsin dairy producers, both existing and start-up, are eligible to apply for the Milk Volume Production (MVP) Program. Awards will be made on a competitive basis. Commerce will require that applicants submit comprehensive business plans. The agency will seek to maximize the program’s impact by participating in projects that increase milk production capacity and demonstrate a need for additional financing.

Dairy producers interested in learning more about the MVP Program should contact Tim Griswold, Commerce, at 608/266-7370.