The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has released two proposed rule changes that would substantially increase certain livestock-related fees.
- ATCP 10 would raise costs for certificates of veterinary inspection (CVIs or “health papers”), disease certifications, and some annual farm registration fees.
- ATCP 12 would increase annual registration fees for animal markets, animal dealers, and animal truckers.
While DATCP notes that fees have not been raised since 2009 and cites rising costs and budget shortfalls as justification, we are deeply concerned about the real-world impact these increases will have across the livestock industry. This proposal shifts financial responsibility downstream without addressing long-term sustainability or equitable cost sharing.
ATCP 12: Key Concerns for Producers, Dealers and Truckers
We think it is important for producers, dealers, truckers, and others involved in the agriculture industry to know about these proposed changes and educate themselves on the impact it can have on them and our industry. Below you will find some bullet points that we feel are important considerations related to this proposed rule change. Please feel free to use any of these as a starting point to submitting your public comments.
- Economic Impact on Producers and Markets
- Substantially higher costs on markets, dealers and truckers will be passed down to producers. As a result, producers will be absorbing the increase, either through higher veterinary charges, increased transport fees, greater commission rates, or reduced sale proceeds.
- Timing
- This proposal comes at a time when many producers are already grappling with rising input costs, labor shortages, and volatile market conditions. An additional financial burden – indirect as it may be, adds further pressure to an already strained sector.
- Lack of Sustainable Funding Alternatives
- While we recognize that the current program appropriation cannot cover costs without adjustments, placing the solution solely on fee increases is short-sighted. A broader discussion is needed around alternative funding mechanisms or statutory changes that distribute the cost more equitably across the industry and the public programs it supports.
- The department and the Governor need to find shared funding and not simply use increased user fees for this shortfall.
- In the past month, Governor Evers has announced the following nearly $500 million of funding for various projects but he wants to put this $1 million shortfall on the backs of our farmers.
- Threat to Market Access
- Substantial licensing fee hikes could force market closures or consolidations, reducing competition and limiting producers’ access to fair markets.
- Increases Not Reasonable or Customary
- Animal Market Class A License: Increase of 1,669% (from $420 to $7,430 annually). Current WI fees already exceed neighboring states: Iowa $50, MN $300, IL $200.
- Market Dealer Registration: Increase of 205% (from $220 to $670 annually). Current WI fees are already higher than neighbors: Iowa $50, MN $100, IL $25 (new) / $10 (renewal).
- Animal Trucker Registration: Increase of 517% (from $60 to $370 annually).
- Animal Transport Vehicle Fees: Increase of 250% (from $20 to $79 annually).
Call to Action
We encourage all our patron members to review these changes and educate themselves about the proposed fee increases. More information can be found on the Wisconsin State Legislature website, or by clicking these links below.
ATCP 12 – https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/scope_statements/all/015_24
DATCP had announced they will be holding three public hearings related to these proposed rule changes. We encourage you to attend in person or register to attend virtually.
Hearing Information
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 1:00 P.M.
In Person Access:
Prairie Oaks State Office Building, Room 106, 2811 Agriculture Dr., Madison, Wisconsin 53708
Internet Access:
Register with your name and email at the following web address, and you will receive an email with a link to the meeting:
https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/63579164-d583-4cf0-bec8-004bec5f5323@f4e2d11c-fae4-453b-b6c0-2964663779aa
Phone Access:
Dial 1-608-571-2209, Phone Conference ID 177 241 963#
Submitting Written Comments
The rule may be reviewed and comments made at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/chr/comment or by contacting Angela Fisher at Angela.Fisher1@wisconsin.gov no later than October 15, 2025. Comments may be submitted to Angela Fisher by email to Angela.Fisher1@wisconsin.gov or by mail to Angela Fisher, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, 2811 Agriculture Drive, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911. Comments must be received by October 15, 2025, to be included in the record of the rule-making proceedings.
Sample Producer Comment:
Dear DATCP,
My name is ____________________, and I farm in __________________ (town/county). On my farm, we raise __________________, and like many producers, I rely on veterinarians, truckers, and markets to keep my operation running. I write today in opposition to the fee increases proposed for animal dealers, truckers, and markets.
The proposed fee increases in ATCP 10 and 12 will directly impact my farm. Even if the fees are applied to vets, truckers, or markets, they will ultimately be passed down to the producers through higher veterinary bills, trucking fees, and commissions. At a time when my farm is already dealing with higher input costs, this added expense will make it more difficult to remain competitive.
I am especially concerned that such large fee increases will discourage service providers in rural areas, leaving producers like me with fewer options and less access to critical services.
I strongly encourage DATCP to reconsider the scale of these increases and look at alternative funding solutions that do not place the entire burden on producers.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Number]
[Date]
Comments