Representative Tara Johnson

Yesterday, we celebrated one of my favorite holidays, National Cheese Day!
 
From Emmentaler to Gruyère, and Cheddar to Feta, Wisconsin farmers produce some of the most delicious cheese in the world. The Wisconsin cheese tradition is an inspiring blend of old-world traditions, with modern science and technology, allowing our state to lead the nation in specialty cheese production, producing over one billion (that’s right folks, BILLION) pounds of specialty cheese a year. 
 
Yet we couldn’t be the cheese capital of the world without our amazing Dairy Farmers and Cheese Producers, who work tirelessly and passionately every day to create these fantastic products, feeding our state and country. Thank you, Dairy Farmers and Cheese Producers, for all that you do. 
 
I certainly know how I celebrated this cheese-tastic day, I hope you all have the opportunity to enjoy some of Wisconsin’s finest too!

Happy Dairy Month, folks!
 
Our proud dairy tradition is one of the many things to love about Wisconsin! From our place as pioneers in Agricultural Sciences, to our cheese-centric culinary history, our trail blazing organic industry and our proud and resilient farming communities, I am so happy to get to highlight this cornerstone of Wisconsin culture all month long! Look for more dairy-centric posts to come this month, including fun facts about the Wisconsin Dairy Industry, as well as upcoming events to celebrate our shared agricultural heritage.
 
Have an udderly great day and a moovalous Dairy Month, Wisconsin!

Happy Pride Month, Wisconsin! 🏳️‍🌈

This May, I had the exciting opportunity to get a tour of the wonderful facility at Vernon County Communications Cooperative, known locally as VernonCom! Originally founded by farmers in Liberty Pole, VernonCom has grown to be a thriving co-op, and I was very grateful to get to see the facility and meet them hardworking team!

When I visited, CEO Garin Mayer was kind enough to show me around and show how they bring exceptional service to over 8,000 residential and business members across the county. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to meet with me and shoutout VernonCom!

Thank you so much to the folks who have already made their voices heard through the Working For Wisconsin survey, hitting mailboxes across the district this week!

With this survey, you’ll be able to rank issues on how important they are to you, suggest changes in state policy, and share your experiences dealing with today’s most crucial topics. I’m always working to best represent the 96th District, and with this survey you can tell me exactly what is on your mind.

In case you missed the survey, you can follow the QR code above, or visit WorkingForWISurvey.com to voice your opinions on what matters most for the future of our state!

Amazing drawings of La Farge student artists; Mikia, Gwenyth (not pictured) and Macie ready to hang in 8 West in the Capitol! So much talent on display! Having the opportunity to purchase these pieces and support local aspiring artist is pure joy! Shout out as well to super art teacher, Mrs. Benson , who nurtures these and all the students in the district. Another great day in the 96th!!

Memorial Day is an opportunity to thank all of the brave men and women who have laid down their lives to protect us and our freedoms.

To those who have served or continue to serve, thank you for everything you do.

Hamburg Hills Farm has been in the Servais family for three generations, and an Organic Valley member farm for nearly 20. My tour of their beautiful farm today was an amazing display of their strength, dedication, and hard work as well as that of thousands of farm families across America’s Dairyland. It is difficult to describe the depth of respect and admiration I have for family farmers - especially Jim and Gloria, Tim and Lisa, and Zach, Jack and Sabrina. Thank you all so much for the privilege of spending time with you today.

Thanks also to Shawna, Adam, Joe and Kendra of the Organic Valley team. I learned so much from all of you!
We then headed down to Organic Valley’s Chaseburg Creamery where Bob, the manager, and Compliance and Safety Officer Heidi gave us a tour of the “little engine that could”, a milk balancing and butter production facility that employs 50 folks, supports nearly 400 Midwest farmers and produces 140,000-180,000 pounds of delicious butter each week! Another amazing day in the beautiful 96th!

The fourth graders at DeSoto School District’s Prairie View Elementary asked the best questions today! They have been studying hard all year with Mrs. Arenz to learn about Wisconsin’s state history and government. They each had also written me a letter advocating for funding to get new playground equipment.  Their visit to the State Capitol last week prompted some especially fun queries about my favorite room and favorite floor in the building. We all agreed that our Capitol is the most impressive building any of us has seen!
PS: My office and the ground floor were my answers. 😎