MADISON, Wis. (February 7, 2011) — The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is inviting Wisconsin dairy producers who are interested in serving the state’s dairy industry and shaping its future to serve as a director on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB). The department is using the theme, “Shape the Future of Dairy” to increase awareness of the 2011 elections, which officially began on January 25 with a “Call for Nominations”.

         Each year, a portion of WMMB's 25-member board is elected to three-year terms. This year, the following nine districts are up for election:

District 1             Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn Counties

         District 4             Barron and Polk Counties

         District 7             Clark County

         District 10          Brown, Door and Kewaunee Counties

         District 13          Buffalo, Pierce and Pepin Counties

District 16          Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Marquette Counties

         District 19          Columbia and Dodge Counties

         District 22          Grant County 

         District 25          Green, Rock and Walworth Counties  

            WMMB directors guide the organization's finances, formulate and set its policies and long-range business plan and maintain its mission: To help grow demand for Wisconsin milk by providing programs that enhance the competitiveness of the Wisconsin Dairy Industry.  Through these initiatives, a WMMB director has the opportunity to represent Wisconsin dairy farmers and products, as well as to become involved in activities that inform and educate consumers.

To qualify, a nominee must be an active dairy producer who sells milk into commercial channels and lives in the district where he/she is nominated. Each potential candidate must acquire at least five signatures from active dairy producers within the district, submit a completed nomination form, and have the "Affidavit of Eligibility" certification requirement notarized. Nominations must be postmarked by February 26, 2011.

         DATCP is mailing election announcement postcards to all licensed producers living within each of the nine affected districts. If you didn’t get a postcard or would like to learn more, contact Noel Favia at (608) 224-5140 or Noel.Favia@wisconsin.gov. In addition, information about the election and director responsibilities can be found at: www.wmmb.com/elections.

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See Attachment – Shape the Future logo