Madison – Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) and Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) released a bill to establish a dairy farm innovation program for small to medium sized family farms.
“Farmers are the backbone of Wisconsin’s Agriculture Industry,” said Representative Moses. “By providing resources for dairy farmers to use innovative milking technologies, we improve our family farms and allow them to compete on a national scale.”
Dairy farms in Wisconsin are facing severe labor shortages, preventing Wisconsin farmers from competing in larger markets. This bill offers a solution to this issue by creating a program that will offer farmers no-interest loans to improve farm efficiencies. Priority will be given to farmers that create new skilled jobs and reduce environmental effects.
“In celebration of Dairy Month, it is the perfect time to roll out this no-interest loan program for our small, local farmers, which will genuinely aid in keeping these operations sustainable and efficient,” said Senator Stafsholt. “These loans are limited to our small and medium family farms that are running things well and are looking to improve the quality and productivity of their business.”
Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned with animal welfare and the environmental effects of the food products they purchase. With the usage of modern milking systems, farmers can increase milk production by 6% while decreasing GHG emissions by 8% and water usage by 6%. Eligible farms will need to be between 50 to 714 dairy-producing cows.
Senator Stafsholt and Representative Moses are hopeful the bill will pass through both houses and land on the governor’s desk to be signed. The Wisconsin Dairy Industry contributes $52.8 billion annually to our state’s economy. Let’s support our farmers this June Dairy Month!
