aem endorsed new legislation introduced by state senator rob stafsholt (r-new richmond) and state representative clint moses (r-menomonie) that would establish a dairy innovation fund in wisconsin to help small and medium-sized farms invest in next-generation agricultural technology.
senate bill 323 creates a zero-interest revolving loan program through the wisconsin economic development corporation, allowing dairy producers to upgrade outdated equipment, adopt precision agriculture tools, and modernize manure management systems. given that nearly half of wisconsin’s dairy farms have left the state in the past decade, this legislation offers timely relief and a pathway to help smaller farms better compete.
“family-owned dairy farms are the backbone of wisconsin’s rural economy, and this bill gives them essential tools to continue to feed not just wisconsin, but our world,” said kip eideberg, aem senior vice president of government and industry relations. “by helping farmers invest in innovative equipment and precision agriculture technologies, the dairy innovation fund will lower costs, improve environmental outcomes, and preserve wisconsin’s proud agricultural heritage. we applaud state representative moses and state senator stafsholt for their leadership.”
wisconsin is home to more dairy farms than any other state, with approximately 5,300 active farms contributing $52.8 billion annually to the state’s economy. but rising costs, labor shortages, and industry consolidation have made it harder for smaller farms to survive, especially those lacking access to modern equipment that improves operational efficiency.
as wisconsin’s dairy industry continues to adapt to new challenges, aem urges lawmakers to pass this legislation and ensure the state remains america’s dairyland for generations to come.
