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Wisconsin Ag News Headlines
Milk Money Program Changes Direction
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/26/2007

A University of Wisconsin-Extension program used by more than 450 state dairy producers to improve milk quality is changing direction due to a reduction in funding. 'Milk Money' will no longer provide support as the state's official toll-free milk quality hotline, according to Pam Ruegg, UW-Extension Milk Quality veterinarian and leader of the Milk Money program. However, dairy producers will still be able to access the same information through their county extension agents.

Ruegg says farm visits, laboratory support, the email newsletter, development of educational materials and other specialized training programs are also being cut because of budget reasons.

Milk Money was funded primarily through support from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. These funds supported a partnership between UW-Extension and the UW Department of Dairy Science to create a centralized statewide milk quality promotional and training program. But decisions by the WMMB to reallocate priorities have resulted in a reduction of funding for the Milk Money program and a reduction in program services.

"Milk Money has had a lasting and positive influence on milk quality here in Wisconsin since its inception in 2001," Ruegg says. "This comprehensive and shared industry effort to promote and improve milk quality has resulted in concrete outcomes for both individual farms and improved the image of Wisconsin's dairy industry."

The program's achievements are recognized both nationally and internationally. A summary of the success of individual herds that completed the program has been published in a respected science journal. The analysis documented that herds completing Milk Money adopt many best management practices, have improvement in milk quality and improve milk quality related financial performance.


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