Bill > SB113

This bill creates a Transition to Grazing Pilot Program within the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to support farmers transitioning to managed grazing systems. Managed grazing is defined as a more sophisticated grazing approach where pastured fields are divided into smaller paddocks, livestock movement is controlled, and animals rotate through areas to maintain vegetation and reduce soil damage. The program will provide grants up to $40,000 per farmer for purposes such as establishing perennial forages, creating supplemental feed in marginal areas (land unsuitable for conventional farming), providing transition incentive payments, funding infrastructure like fencing and water systems, and offering technical assistance from certified grazing specialists. Grants are specifically for new or improved grazing practices, not existing systems, and will be disbursed incrementally: up to 75% in the first year and 12.5% in each of the second and third years. Additionally, the program will provide broader support to farmers and agribusinesses, including economic analysis, market development research, and assistance in meeting consumer demands for forage-fed livestock products. The bill also increases departmental staffing by 0.5 positions to support the program and will be funded through the environmental fund, with an initial appropriation of $500,000.

Budget and Finance

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb113