MILWUAKEE, WI – Equipment manufacturers are calling on members of the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue to vote in support of new legislation that would establish a Dairy Innovation Fund (SB 323) to support the state’s small and mid-sized dairy farms. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) and Sen. Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond), would create a zero-interest revolving loan program enabling farmers to invest in innovative dairy and manure equipment.
Wisconsin has lost nearly half of its dairy farms in the last decade, and small and medium-sized operations continue to face steep challenges, including labor shortages, high operational costs, and aging facilities. These closures have rippled through local economies, resulting in lost jobs not only on farms but also in the equipment manufacturing industry and throughout the state’s rural communities.
Fortunately, in July, Governor Evers approved Wisconsin’s 2025-2027 biennial budget, which included $20 million for dairy cattle innovation funding. Now, equipment manufacturers are urging the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue to pass the bill out of committee and clear the way for SB 323’s passage.
“When family farms succeed, rural communities across Wisconsin succeed,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg. “By giving small and mid-sized dairy farmers access to the latest technologies, lawmakers are making sure farmers can continue to feed the world in the smartest and most efficient ways possible. This legislation is a smart investment in innovation, jobs, and competitiveness that will keep Wisconsin’s dairy industry strong for generations to come.”
“Wisconsin’s dairy industry is the backbone of our agricultural economy, but too many family farms are being left behind because they lack access to the tools and technology that larger operations rely on every day,” said Greg Petras, President of Kuhn North America Inc. and Chair of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Agricultural Sector Board. “This legislation is about leveling the playing field and giving small and mid-sized farmers the ability to invest in equipment that improves efficiency, reduces costs, and strengthens long-term sustainability. By establishing a dairy innovation fund, lawmakers are helping ensure that Wisconsin’s dairy farmers can continue to thrive and that America’s Dairyland remains a global leader in milk production.”
“Dairy farmers in Wisconsin and across the country rely on innovation to stay competitive, but too many smaller operations simply can’t access the equipment and technology they need,” said Steve Pretz, President of BouMatic. “The Dairy Innovation Fund is a practical solution that will help level the playing field, strengthen demand for locally made equipment, and preserve family-sustaining jobs in both farming and manufacturing. Wisconsin’s economy and communities will be stronger because of it.”
“As a smaller dairy in Wisconsin, I know firsthand how hard it is to keep up with rising costs,” said Jeff Scott of Richon Farms. “A zero-interest loan would make a world of difference for farm families like mine. It would give us the opportunity to invest in modern equipment, cut our costs, and compete with economies of scale allowing our businesses to thrive for the next generation. This bill gives potential to new efficiency, sustainability and stability to small and mid-size operations while enriching the deep dairy tradition of our communities and state.”
Wisconsin is home to more dairy farms than any other state, yet industry consolidation has left many family-owned farms at risk. Precision agriculture technology can help smaller operations compete by maximizing milk yields, improving animal welfare, reducing input costs, and lowering environmental impacts.
SB 323 would help more farmers access this technology, safeguarding thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthening Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy industry, which represents nearly half of the state’s agricultural economy.
