Date: 11/21/11-6/29/12
Travel With Pam & Holiday Vacations
Date: 5/26/12-7/1/12
June Dairy Breakfast Schedule
Date: 5/26/12
Green Co. Dairy Breakfast
Date: 6/2/12
Rock Co Breakfast on the Farm
Farm Events: |
Farm News: Ag Groups Happy With DNR PilotscommentsPosted: 08.19.2011
Several agricultural groups are speaking out in support of the new
"Enterprise Agency" pilot program announced by the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR)
The two-year pilot program was developed to give the DNR operational flexibility to implement a better system for dairy farmers the customers of the DNR. Even though the DNR will be given more operational flexibility, the agency will be required to set and meet benchmarks. If benchmarks are not met, the agreement will end. This agreement will increase customer service, improve cost-effectiveness, management systems and accountability. Laurie Fischer, executive director of the Dairy Business Association says they're pleased to see the efforts of Secretaries Cathy Stepp and Mike Huebsch to make the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) a more efficient state agency while protecting the states land, air and water resources. "We believe everyone benefits under this enterprise agency," commented Fischer. "Our members will have a better line of communication with an expedited permit process with DNR staff while maintaining the highest regulatory standards."
Paul Zimmerman, Executive Director of Governmental Relations for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation issued the following statement regarding the creation of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Enterprise Agency Pilot.
“As the owners of over 15 million acres of Wisconsin’s landscape, farmers care about protecting the environment. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation applauds efforts to make state government more responsive to the people it serves. Therefore we are very supportive of efforts to streamline the permitting process and reduce cost while continuing Wisconsin’s history of environmental protection. Improving customer satisfaction is a worthy goal of any government agency.
A new initiative like the Enterprise Agency Pilot is an important tool to help grow Wisconsin’s economy. From agriculture’s perspective, whether it’s permits for livestock operations, ground water withdrawals or water quality certification, having the ability to issue these permits in an efficient and timely manner helps farmers modernization their farms and create jobs. An improved permitting process for our state’s food processors and agribusinesses will also contribute to Wisconsin’s $60 billion agricultural economy.
Tom Lochner, executive director of the Wisconsin State
Cranberry Growers Association, also hails the "Enterprise Agency" announcement.
"The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association appreciates the efforts of Governor Scott Walker and Secretary Cathy Stepp to improve the efficiency of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
"Wisconsin cranberry growers produce the majority of the world's
cranberries, and our continued access to water and our commitment to maintaining superb water quality in Wisconsin are critical to our ability to succeed in the global marketplace. We fully support improving the DNR processes through which permits are issued, and we appreciate efforts to speed up and improve the quality of the Department's permitting processes. Our farmers depend on a reliable and accessible DNR."
|