Bill > AB118

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 that involves subdividing pastures into smaller paddocks, controlling livestock density, and rotating animals to maintain vegetation and reduce soil damage. The program will provide grants up to $40,000 per farmer for specific purposes, including establishing perennial forages, creating supplemental feed in marginal areas (land not suitable for conventional crops), providing transition incentive payments, funding infrastructure like fencing and water systems, and offering technical assistance from certified grazing specialists. Grants are only available for new or improved grazing systems, not existing practices, and will be disbursed in a phased manner: up to 75% in the first year and 12.5% in each of the second and third years. Additionally, the program will offer broader support to farmers and agribusinesses, such as economic analysis, market development research, and assistance in meeting consumer demand for forage-fed livestock products. The bill also increases department staffing by 0.5 positions to support the program and will take effect after publication, potentially aligned with the 2025 biennial budget act.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab118