Our history

Origin story

The Dairy Innovation Hub is based on legislation originally introduced by Senator Howard Marklein and Representative Travis Tranel on May 1, 2019 and the original Dairy Innovation Hub concept that was endorsed 27-1 by the Dairy Task Force 2.0 in Dec. 2018.

The original legislation directed 52% of the funding to UW–Madison CALS and 24% each to UW–Platteville and UW–River Falls, home to UW System’s other agricultural programs. This represents a significant increase in state funding for agricultural research at each of the three campuses.

On May 1, 2019Senate Bill 186 was introduced by Senators Marklein, Testin, Bernier, Darling, Feyen, Olsen and Petrowski and cosponsored by Representatives Tranel, Summerfield, Tauchen, Zimmerman, Edming, Kerkman, Kitchens, Kulp, Kurtz, Murphy, Mursau, Novak, Oldenburg, Petryk, Plumer, Skowronski, Spiros, Thiesfeldt, Tusler, VanderMeer and Duchow.

public hearing on SB 186 was held on May 1 in the state Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue and Financial InstitutionsWisconsin Eye covered the press conference announcing the legislation and former UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean Kate VandenBosch released a statement in support of the measure.

On May 9, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue and Financial Institutions voted in executive session on the Senate Bill 186, which passed out of committee by a vote of 9-0.

Assembly Bill 207, the companion to SB 186, was introduced on May 10, 2019 by Representatives Tranel, Summerfield, Tauchen, Zimmerman, Edming, Kerkman, Kitchens, Kulp, Kurtz, Murphy, Mursau, Novak, Oldenburg, Petryk, Plumer, Skowronski, Spiros, Thiesfeldt, Tusler and VanderMeer and cosponsored by Senators Marklein, Testin, Bernier, Darling, Feyen, Olsen and Petrowski.

On June 11, 2019, the Joint Finance Committee passed a motion including funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub (item #16). The motion provides $1,000,000 GPR in 2019-20 and $7,800,000 GPR in 2020-21 under the Joint Committee on Finance’s supplemental appropriation.

The Wisconsin Assembly passed the state budget, which included Joint Finance Committee funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub, on June 25 and the Wisconsin Senate passed the same budget on June 26.

Gov. Tony Evers mentioned funding for the Dairy Innovation hub in his July 3 veto message (page 17).

On August 1, 2019, the UW Board of Regents approved a spending plan.

The Joint Finance Committee released the funds on October 2, 2019 with approval of the spending plan at a 13.10 hearing.


Structure

The organizational chart includes an advisory council, comprised of industry and university representatives, a leadership committee, made up of the three deans, and local steering committees at UW–Madison, UW–Platteville and UW–River Falls.

A faculty director and a full-time program manager work closely with industry partners, deans, faculty and other scientists at the three campuses to coordinate research, teaching and outreach efforts.


Support for the Dairy Innovation Hub

Former DATCP Secretary Pfaff’s statement on the completion of the state budget, including the Dairy Innovation Hub.

Farm groups call on legislature, governor to pass Dairy Innovation Hub: State budget proposal includes $8.8 million for UW-led research.

Statements on Joint Finance Committee approval of funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub:

Press release in support of Senate Bill 186 from farmer groups.

The funding will support research personnel, farms and labs in four areas related to dairy that each span many academic disciplines:

  • Stewarding land and water resources
  • Enriching human health and nutrition
  • Ensuring animal health and welfare
  • Growing farm businesses and communities