The following is a letter from state Sen. Dan Feyen (R – Fond du Lac) asking Gov. Tony Evers for a plan to save the World Dairy Expo from being cancelled this year.
March 10, 2021
Dear Governor Evers:
Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland, agriculture is a big economic driver contributing $104.8 billion annually to our state’s economy. I recently read that the World Dairy Expo was considering leaving Wisconsin for another state or venue that has some certainty as it pertains to COVID-19 protocols and regulations.
The 54th World Dairy Expo is set for September 28th- October 2, 2021 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. This is nearly eight months away. Our agriculture industry needs you to stand up and formulate a plan that will provide some certainty that this event can take place as scheduled here in Wisconsin.
As we see the number of positive COVID-19 cases decrease and vaccinations increase around the globe, it’s time we start planning not only to reopen state government, but to show leadership in planning for an event that is so very critical for our state’s dairy industry. Do what is necessary, and make a plan for this event to happen in Wisconsin.
I’m afraid if we continue to put hurdles in the way of progress on the COVID front, we will continue to see businesses close or move to locations that say their state is “Open for Business”. Wisconsin need only look at our business community. Over the past 12 months, they have shown they can adapt and reduce the chances of spread by putting common sense preventative measures in place. The same can be true for the World Dairy Expo – even President Joe Biden has pledged a vaccine for every adult in America by the end of May.
If events like the World Dairy Expo leave our state, we will be hard pressed to ever see such an event like this in Wisconsin again – imagine the $30 million economic impact gone forever.
Let me know how I can help.
Best Regards,
Assistant Majority Leader Senator Dan Feyen
18th Senate District
