Assembly Bill 363 establishes a Dairy Cattle Innovation Program in Wisconsin, which will be administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This program allows eligible milk producers to apply for no-interest loans to support various activities aimed at improving farm efficiencies, animal care, milk quality, and reducing environmental impacts associated with dairy operations. To qualify for these loans, applicants must operate a dairy farm with between 50 and 714 producing dairy cows, be located in Wisconsin, and meet specific criteria regarding regulatory compliance, employee authorization, and bankruptcy status.

The bill outlines the eligible activities for which the loan can be used, including the incorporation of new technologies and methods to enhance production and environmental management, as well as the construction or rental of necessary facilities. WEDC is tasked with prioritizing loan applications from producers who aim to create skilled jobs, improve production practices, reduce environmental effects, and enhance labor efficiency. The program is designed to foster innovation within the dairy industry while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.