Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
MADISON – Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that two Wisconsin businesses will
share $120,000 in loans from the Department of Commerce Rural Economic
Development (RED) Milk Volume Production (MVP) Program. The loans were made
at the RED Board meeting held May 17 in Madison.
“My Grow Wisconsin plan calls for investing in our agricultural industry to
improve prospects for future growth and development,” Governor Doyle said.
“I am pleased to help these individuals grow their businesses and invest in
Wisconsin’s farm economy.”
The following summarizes the successful proposals:
Roger and Mollie Manthe, De Forest, Dane County, $80,000 MVP-RED loan
Roger and Mollie Manthe will use the funds to purchase 160 cows and
modernize and expand their dairy operation. MVP funds will leverage an
additional $524,000 in financing and private equity to complete the project.
Stacey and Dawn Schmitz, Mineral Point, Iowa County, $40,000 MVP-RED loan
Stacey and Dawn Schmitz will use the funds to purchase 80 cows and modernize
their dairy operation. MVP funds will leverage an additional $396,939 in
financing to complete the project.
All Wisconsin dairy producers, both existing and start-up, are eligible to
apply for the MVP Program. Awards are made on a competitive basis. The RED
Program, administered by Commerce, helps small rural businesses start-up and
expand their operations. For more information on the MVP and RED Programs,
contact your area development manager by visiting
www.commerce.wi.gov/BD/MT-FAX-0901.html.
