Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
Dairy manufacturers and suppliers.

Lobbying Interests:
Policy areas including dairy regulation; environmental policy and regulation; taxation and labor issues; dairy producer related legislation; food safety issues; transportation.

CEO Name:
John Umhoefer

Contact
JTU
John T. Umhoefer
5117 West Terrace Drive Suite 402
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 286-1001
jumhoefer@wischeesemakers.org
http://www.wischeesemakers.org

Authorized Lobbyists

Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On
John T Umhoefer Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 12/20/2022 Withdrawn On N/A
Rebekah A Sweeney Exclusive Duties No Authorized On 12/20/2022 Withdrawn On N/A

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 64
Assembly Bill 64
Relating to: nitrate contamination and the well compensation grant program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/15/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 74
Assembly Bill 74
Relating to: seasonal period for farm service license endorsement.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 133
Assembly Bill 133
Relating to: farmland preservation agreements and tax credits. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 42

For
Notification Date
9/18/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 244
Assembly Bill 244
Relating to: an agricultural roads improvement grant program and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
5/1/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 349
Assembly Bill 349
Relating to: limitations on ownership of agricultural or forestry land in this state by foreign persons. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/21/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 372
Assembly Bill 372
Relating to: funding for the Farm and Industry Short Course program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
7/31/2023
First Communication Date
7/27/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Assembly Bill 440
Assembly Bill 440
Relating to: permits for the overweight transport of certain fluid milk products. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/9/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 645
Assembly Bill 645
Relating to: county assistance to certain nonprofit organizations.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
11/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 952
Assembly Bill 952
Relating to: labeling a food product as a type of milk and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/30/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Assembly Bill 999
Assembly Bill 999
Relating to: labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/30/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 58
Senate Bill 58
Relating to: nitrate contamination and the well compensation grant program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/15/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 66
Senate Bill 66
Relating to: seasonal period for farm service license endorsement.

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 28

For
Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 134
Senate Bill 134
Relating to: farmland preservation agreements and tax credits. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/18/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 247
Senate Bill 247
Relating to: an agricultural roads improvement grant program and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 13

For
Notification Date
5/1/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 348
Senate Bill 348
Relating to: limitations on ownership of agricultural or forestry land in this state by foreign persons. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
11/21/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 370
Senate Bill 370
Relating to: funding for the Farm and Industry Short Course program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
7/31/2023
First Communication Date
7/27/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.
Senate Bill 431
Senate Bill 431
Relating to: permits for the overweight transport of certain fluid milk products. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2023 Wisconsin Act 158

For
Notification Date
9/11/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 539
Senate Bill 539
Relating to: county assistance to certain nonprofit organizations.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
11/16/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 781
Senate Bill 781
Relating to: the sale of unpasteurized dairy products. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
12/11/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 886
Senate Bill 886
Relating to: labeling a food product as a type of milk and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/8/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.
Senate Bill 947
Senate Bill 947
Relating to: labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/30/2024
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Budget Bill Subjects

Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection: Food Safety and Consumer Protection
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection: Food Safety and Consumer Protection

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Public Service Commission: Departmentwide
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Public Service Commission: Departmentwide

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Transportation: General Transportation Operations
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Transportation: General Transportation Operations

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Biennial budget bill treatment of matter relating to
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

Authorizing County Boards to appropriate funds to food banks and food pantries
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Authorizing County Boards to appropriate funds to food banks and food pantries

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
9/29/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Confirmation of DATCP Secretary-designee Randy Romanski
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Confirmation of DATCP Secretary-designee Randy Romanski

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
2/13/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Supporting Documentation
03132023_051352_Romanski.Confirmation.WCMA.2.13.23.pdf


Confirmation of DOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Confirmation of DOT Secretary-designee Craig Thompson

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
2/13/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Supporting Documentation
03132023_051300_Thompson.Confirmation.WCMA.2.13.23.pdf


Confirmation of WEDC Secretary-designee Missy Hughes
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Confirmation of WEDC Secretary-designee Missy Hughes

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
2/13/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Supporting Documentation
03132023_051310_Hughes.Confirmation.WCMA.2.13.23.pdf


Confirmation of DNR Secretary-designee Adam Payne
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Confirmation of DNR Secretary-designee Adam Payne

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
3/13/2023
First Communication Date
3/9/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Supporting Documentation
03132023_050839_Payne.Confirmation.WCMA.3.9.23.pdf


Workforce Support
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Workforce Support

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
1/11/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WCMA members champion programs supported by state dollars to provide affordable housing, childcare and eldercare, and workforce training, particularly in rural communities.

Overweight Hauling Permits
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Overweight Hauling Permits

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/11/2023
First Communication Date
1/3/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Comments
WCMA seeks an extension of the conditions governing fluid milk product transport in Wisconsin to the transport of other liquid milk byproducts.

Raw Milk Sales
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Raw Milk Sales

Action Intended To Affect
Both Legislative matter and rule

Notification Date
1/11/2023
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Comments
WCMA members strongly oppose any effort to change Wisconsin's current prohibition on regular sales of raw milk.

Rulemaking Related to Land Application of Industrial Wastewater
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Rulemaking Related to Land Application of Industrial Wastewater

Action Intended To Affect
Rule (by a state agency)

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Rulemaking Related to NR 151, Control of Nitrates in Highly Permeable Soils
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Rulemaking Related to NR 151, Control of Nitrates in Highly Permeable Soils

Action Intended To Affect
Rule (by a state agency)

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Rulemaking Related to NR 214, Nitrogen Limits for Soil Treatment Systems
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Rulemaking Related to NR 214, Nitrogen Limits for Soil Treatment Systems

Action Intended To Affect
Rule (by a state agency)

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Promotion of High-Value Dairy Production
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Promotion of High-Value Dairy Production

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.

Broadband Access and Affordability
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Broadband Access and Affordability

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Dairy Innovation Hub Funding
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Dairy Innovation Hub Funding

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Dairy Processing Innovation and Modernization
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Dairy Processing Innovation and Modernization

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

DATCP Funding
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
DATCP Funding

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Food Security Initiative Funding
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Food Security Initiative Funding

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Support for Wisconsin Dairy Export Endeavors
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Support for Wisconsin Dairy Export Endeavors

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has not yet communicated on this matter, but intends to do so at a later date.

Truth-in-Dairy Labeling
Development, drafting or introduction of a proposal relating to
Truth-in-Dairy Labeling

Action Intended To Affect
Legislative matter

Notification Date
12/9/2022
First Communication Date
1/3/2023
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal has communicated on this matter.

Total Lobbying Effort

  2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
Total
Total Lobbying Expenditures 2023
January - June
$20,194.00
2023
July - December
$21,158.00
2024
January - June
$17,389.00
Total $58,741.00
Total Hours Communicating 2023
January - June
90.00
2023
July - December
78.30
2024
January - June
60.00
Total 228.30
Total Hours Other 2023
January - June
117.50
2023
July - December
130.00
2024
January - June
92.00
Total 339.50

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Relating to: nitrate contamination and the well compensation grant program. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: an agricultural roads improvement grant program and making an appropriation. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
12%
2023
July - December
7%
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total 8%
Relating to: an agricultural roads improvement grant program and making an appropriation. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
12%
2023
July - December
8%
2024
January - June
3%
2024
July - December
Total 8%
Relating to: limitations on ownership of agricultural or forestry land in this state by foreign persons. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total 2%
Relating to: funding for the Farm and Industry Short Course program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and making an appropriation. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total 2%
Relating to: county assistance to certain nonprofit organizations.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
13%
2024
July - December
Total 5%
Relating to: labeling a food product as a type of milk and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
10%
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 6%
Relating to: permits for the overweight transport of certain fluid milk products. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
15%
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total 6%
Relating to: permits for the overweight transport of certain fluid milk products. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
15%
2024
January - June
3%
2024
July - December
Total 6%
Relating to: the sale of unpasteurized dairy products. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
20%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 9%
Relating to: labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: limitations on ownership of agricultural or forestry land in this state by foreign persons. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
3%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: funding for the Farm and Industry Short Course program at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and making an appropriation. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
3%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: labeling food as a type of dairy product or as a dairy ingredient and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
3%
2024
July - December
Total < 1%
Relating to: labeling a food product as a type of milk and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
10%
2024
July - December
Total 3%
Relating to: county assistance to certain nonprofit organizations.
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
12%
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Budget Bill Subjects

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
45%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 16%

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
4%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
4%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 1%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
5%
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
20%
2024
July - December
Total 9%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
5%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 2%
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
8%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Minor Efforts

(Time spent on matters each of which accounted for less than 10% of the organization's lobbying.)

Minor Efforts
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
3%
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total 1%

Other Matters

Includes time spent on:

  • Gubernatorial nominations
  • Matters on which the organization made no lobbying communication

Other Matters
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
2024
January - June
2024
July - December
Total
2023
January - June
2023
July - December
5%
2024
January - June
5%
2024
July - December
Total 3%

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures