WMCA honors Baldwin, Marklein and 7 other politicians

MADISON — The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) presented its third annual Cheese Champion awards to seven legislators for their efforts to support and advance the dairy processing industry.

“Dairy processors have developed strong, productive partnerships with Wisconsin legislators — partnerships that provide greater stability and encourage business growth,” said WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney. “We are grateful for the consistent support of this year’s Cheese Champions legislators and are pleased to recognize them for their work.”

The 2024 award winners also included U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Senator Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska), Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) and Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc).

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Our local processors do an outstanding job of making world-class products. The 2023-25 ​​state budget that was passed into law included an increase to the Dairy Processor Grant Program and we will continue to support our local processors,” Tranel said.

Rep. Tranel, a dairy farmer and chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, was a champion of ARIP in the Assembly, helping to get crucial road funding across the finish line. Tranel has also supported WCMA members’ efforts to ensure accurate food labeling, expand affordable high-speed Internet access, and provide continued funding for industry innovation.

WCMA serves as a strong voice for dairy processors, manufacturers, marketers and industry suppliers on legislative and regulatory activities at the state and federal levels. More information about the association’s advocacy efforts is available at WisCheeseMakers.org.