“I am pleased the final Agriculture appropriations bill includes an additional, much needed $350 million in assistance for our dairy farmers.  I was pleased to support this funding when the Senate considered the bill and I look forward to supporting the final bill that includes this emergency funding.  The economic downturn has been especially hard on Wisconsin farmers and this assistance will go a long way in helping them get through it.  I congratulate Senator Kohl and Congressman Obey on their successful efforts to retain this important provision.  And I will continue to fight for vital short-term assistance for dairy farmers, and for efforts to improve the long-term health of the industry that means so much to our state.