ESCANABA -- For the past 20 years, farmers like Willie Grondine haven't been allowed to sell their livestock in Wisconsin markets, but now they can.
Farmers used to travel hundreds of miles downstate to the nearest auction because Bovine Tuberculosis was found in cattle downstate. Michigan Legislator Ed McBroom says the U.P. has remained TB free.
"Whether you were a breeder or someone raising beef...a dairy farmer like me who's trying to sell cool cattle, it was a really awful blow for all of us," said McBroom.
That means farmers spent more money traveling downstate than they made on selling their cattle. Animals typically run for a thousand dollars, but officials say now that can increase by at least $20 to $50. So U.P. farmers have the potential of making thousands more.
"More profit for our farms and other farms. It should help out in the long run hopefully," said Grondine.
Diane Hanson, Michigan Agriculture Commissioner, says the cattle must meet certain regulations.
"Ear tags for identification, and then the veterinarian inspection would be the different testing. Also, the designation of where the animals are going, then they can sell in Wisconsin," said Hanson.
For Willie, he's happy he doesn't have to travel so far.
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