Dept. of Commerce: Gov. Doyle Announces Rural Business Development Loans

Contact:
Tony Hozeny, 608/267-9661

MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle announced today that two Wisconsin businesses will share $95,000 in loans from the Department of Commerce’s Milk Volume Production (MVP)-Rural Economic Development (RED) Programs. The loans were made at the RED Board meeting held Aug. 17 in Madison.

“My Grow Wisconsin plan calls for investing in our agricultural industry and rural businesses to facilitate expansion and increase milk production,” said Gov. Doyle. “I am pleased that these Wisconsin businesses will expand their dairy operations and increase milk production in Wisconsin.”

The following summarizes the successful proposals:

Joseph Nickels, Argyle, Green County, $50,000 MVP-RED loan
Joseph Nickels currently runs a beef operation consisting of about 35 cows. He is investing $246,000 to expand his business to include a dairy operation by purchasing cows and modernizing facilities. He will use the loan to purchase 100 cows.

Paul and Kendra Breunig, Sun Prairie, Dane County, $45,000 MVP-RED loan
Paul and Kendra Bruenig currently milk 27 cows. They will be joining a dairy operation run by James and Robert Baerwolf. Both families will maintain separate businesses, but will share resources, labor, and equipment. The Bruenigs will use the loan to purchase 90 cows.

All Wisconsin dairy producers, both existing and start-up, are eligible to apply for the MVP Program. Awards are made on a competitive basis. Dairy producers interested in learning more about the MVP Program should contact Tim Griswold, Commerce, at 608/267-9661.

The RED Program, administered by Commerce, helps small rural businesses start-up and expand their operations. For further information, contact Jamie Wall, Commerce, at 608/267-0770.