Chippewa Valley Times

The new bill authored by Sen. Stafsholt seeks to create a program that supports dairy producers by offering financial assistance to improve farm operations and environmental practices, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "establishing a dairy cattle innovation program. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill establishes a dairy cattle innovation program managed by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to provide no-interest loans to eligible milk producers. Applicants must have operations with between 50 and 714 producing dairy cows and be free from regulatory enforcement actions for the past five years, employ only legally authorized workers, and not be in open bankruptcy. Loans can be used to enhance farm efficiencies, animal health, milk quality, environmental impact of manure management, or expand operations capacity. Priority will be given to projects that create skilled jobs, improve milk production practices, or reduce environmental effects. The program may be administered in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The act will take effect the day after its publication or two days after the publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Clint P. Moses (Republican-92nd District), Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (Republican-25th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Lindee Rae Brill (Republican-27th District), and Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), along three other co-sponsors.

Rob Stafsholt has authored or co-authored another 26 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.

Stafsholt, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 to represent the state's 10th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Patty Schachtner.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
SB323	06/12/2025	Establishing a dairy cattle innovation program. (FE)
SB315	06/06/2025	The minimum net worth requirement for licensed mortgage brokers
SB250	05/09/2025	Prohibiting abandonment of a boat and providing a penalty
SB219	04/25/2025	Limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE)
SB218	04/25/2025	The amount and distribution of the real estate transfer fee, grants under the land information program, real property recording notification systems, and making an appropriation. (FE)
SB214	04/16/2025	Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE)
SB158	03/27/2025	County forest administration grant eligibility