Wisconsin State Rep. Brent Jacobson is warning that a proposed 1,700 percent increase in agricultural fees threatens the state’s farming sector and underscores the urgent need for legislative oversight. The proposal, introduced by the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) under Governor Tony Evers’ administration in September, follows a July 8th Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that stripped lawmakers of their ability to block administrative rules.
“For over three decades, your elected representatives in the Wisconsin State Legislature could block the administrative rules created by the unelected bureaucrats in our state agencies,” Jacobson said in a press release. “However, Governor Evers and Attorney General Kaul sued us to remove this check on their power, and on July 8th, the State Supreme Court eliminated our oversight.”
According to DATCP’s proposal, the increases would affect auction barns, livestock dealers, and animal transport truckers. Some of the steepest hikes include raising the Class A animal market license fee from $420 to $7,430 — a roughly 1,669% increase — and late fees for markets from $84 to $1,486. Licenses for livestock dealers could rise as high as $7,500, while truck registration fees could climb from $60 to $370.
The agency argues the hikes are necessary to address long-standing budget shortfalls. Fees for these programs haven’t been adjusted since 2008, while operating costs have steadily risen due to inflation and reduced federal funding. DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski said the increases are needed to cover veterinary inspections, disease surveillance, and traceability programs, warning that without new revenue, the agency cannot meet statutory obligations.
But Jacobson and agricultural groups say the proposed changes go too far. “Wisconsin’s fees were already slightly higher than our neighbors, but this huge increase will make our state an outlier,” Jacobson warned. “If it goes through, our state’s entire agricultural sector will be threatened.”
Farm industry leaders, including the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, have echoed those concerns, arguing the new fees will force smaller barns and dealers out of business, pushing livestock sales out of state. Comparisons show neighboring states charge significantly less — Minnesota, for instance, has animal market fees around $300, while Iowa charges as little as $50.
Jacobson said the situation highlights the importance of legislative checks and balances. “Examples of reckless government overreach like this prove how necessary legislative oversight is,” he stated. He announced he will chair the Speaker’s Task Force on Rulemaking this fall, aiming to “shine a light on our state bureaucrats, and come up with solutions to rein in our rogue agencies.”
Meanwhile, the proposal remains under review. Public comments are open until Oct. 15, after which the DATCP board and Gov. Evers will consider final approval. Jacobson urged constituents to weigh in before the deadline. “While my colleagues and I work to restore checks and balances, I encourage you to make your voice heard,” he said.
If adopted, the new fee structure would take effect in 2026.