AEM Hosts Lobby Day for Dairy Innovation in Madison

Oct 18, 2024

At the beginning of October, dairy and manure equipment manufacturers from around the world descended into Madison, Wisconsin for the World Dairy Expo. With the dairy industry at state capitol’s doorstep, there was no better time to host a lobby day on the importance of dairy technology.

AEM members and staff met with state lawmakers and their offices to advocate for dairy and manure precision agriculture incentives.  Using data from AEM’s Environmental Benefits of Modern Dairy, Hay, and Forage Production Technologies study, the meetings educated lawmakers on the benefits of precision agriculture technology and discussed a model bill that could help get these technologies into the hands of Wisconsin farmers.  

Earlier this year, AEM members and staff drafted a model bill for Wisconsin that would establish a grant for small and medium dairy farmers in the state. The grant would help ease adoption of new technology and equipment, allowing Wisconsin farmers to increase workforce and environmental efficiencies.  The bill is based on an AEM-supported bill that was passed and enacted in Iowa during the 2023 legislative session.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.