Marybeth Collins
A new bill introduced in the Wisconsin State Assembly aims to modernize the state’s dairy sector by offering no-interest loans to mid-size milk producers. Assembly Bill 363 would establish a Dairy Cattle Innovation Program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
The initiative targets dairy farms with 50 to 714 producing cows and offers funding for upgrades that improve milk quality, animal health, operational efficiency, and environmental practices—particularly in manure management.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Eligible dairy operations must meet strict criteria, including:
- Being located in Wisconsin
- Employing only individuals legally authorized to work in the state
- Maintaining compliance with environmental, food safety, and labor laws over the past five years
- Not being subject to open bankruptcy proceedings
Loan recipients would be able to:
- Invest in farm technology and methods to enhance milk production efficiency
- Improve animal care and milk quality
- Reduce environmental impacts tied to manure and dairy operations
- Rent or construct buildings or infrastructure to expand capacity and improve waste management
WEDC is instructed to prioritize projects that:
- Create new skilled jobs
- Improve manure management and production practices
- Reduce environmental effects per gallon of milk produced
- Enhance labor efficiency through technological adoption
Environmental Tech Vendors Likely to Benefit
If enacted, AB 363 would channel funding toward specific ag-tech and environmental vendors that serve mid-size dairy farms. Companies that offer manure management solutions, robotic milkers, milk quality monitoring, and animal health tech stand to benefit.
- Manure Management & Waste Systems
- Robotic Milking & Labor Efficiency
- Animal Health & Monitoring
- Farm Construction & Expansion
| Company |
Status |
Website |
| DVO, Inc. |
Active, Wisconsin-based anaerobic digester specialist |
dvoinc.com |
| GEA Group |
Global ag-tech firm with manure separation products |
gea.com |
| Vogelsang |
Rotary-lobe pumps and manure handling systems |
vogelsang.info |
| Bauer Group |
Slurry and manure management technology |
bauer.de |
| Lely |
Robotic milking systems and automation |
lely.com |
| BouMatic |
Wisconsin-based milking & automation company |
boumatic.com |
| SCR by Allflex |
Cow-monitoring wearables and sensors |
scrdairy.com |
| Zoetis |
Animal-health leader with dairy technology |
zoetis.com |
| Afimilk |
Milk sensors and herd monitoring systems |
afimilk.com |
These companies align with AB 363’s focus on reducing environmental impact per gallon of milk, expanding capacity, and boosting milk quality through modernization.
Legislative Outlook
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture. If enacted, it will take effect either the day after publication or following passage of the 2025–2027 state budget, whichever is later.
As Wisconsin continues to confront the challenges of farm consolidation and environmental accountability, AB 363 could become a blueprint for strategic investment in the state’s most iconic industry.
