Contact: John Holevoet
Director of government relations
Dairy Business Association
jholevoet@widba.com
608-358-3941
Green Bay – The Dairy Business Association today announced its support for Mike Gallagher to represent the 8th Congressional District in Washington D.C.
Wisconsin’s agricultural community has flourished over the past several years, with dairy farming contributing half of the $88 billion in economic activity that agriculture generates annually in the state. The dairy community is particularly important in the 8th Congressional District, which is one of the leading milk-producing districts in the country.
Gallagher, a Republican, is facing Democrat Tom Nelson for a seat being vacated by Reid Ribble, who is retiring from Congress after six years.
“We are confident with Mike’s ability to lead in Washington. His accomplishments thus far have no doubt proven that,” said DBA President Gordon Speirs, a dairy farmer in Brillion, which is located in the 8th District.
Gallagher has met with dairy farmers around the district to learn about their farms and the federal issues they face. He has expressed support for dairy farmers on the issues that matter the most to them, such as a reliable labor supply, sensible government oversight and access to global markets.
“Mike appreciates the importance of what dairying has done and will continue to do for Wisconsin’s economy, but he also recognizes the issues dairymen are facing in our state,” Speirs said.
Ribble has been an advocate for northeastern Wisconsin’s farmers. During his three terms in Congress, he served on the House Agriculture Committee and was known for having a staff that had a deep familiarity with dairy issues. Ribble’s strong support for Gallagher’s bid to replace him is an indicator that dairy farmers can be confident in doing so as well, Speirs said.
“As Mr. Ribble consistently has done, Mike continues to show support for sustainable agriculture and our farmers’ ability to create safe, wholesome food in a practical and environmentally friendly manner,” he said.
About the Dairy Business Association:
The Dairy Business Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of Wisconsin dairy farmers, milk processors, vendors and business partners. Founded in 1999 to reinvigorate the state’s dairy community, DBA’s members work together to guarantee Wisconsin’s dairy farms of all sizes have the support they need to thrive in the state’s economy, communities and food chain. For more information, visit www.widba.com.
