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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Sen. Testin authors Wisconsin Senate bill on grazing pilot program

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Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | Official Linkedin

Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | Official Linkedin

The new bill authored by State Sen. Testin seeks to establish a grazing pilot program to assist farmers in adopting managed forage-based livestock systems, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "a transition to grazing pilot program and making an appropriation. (FE)".

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

In essence, this bill establishes a transition to grazing pilot program managed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to assist farmers in implementing livestock forage-based managed grazing systems. It provides grants, capped at $40,000 per grantee, with 75% paid in the first year and subsequent payments of 12.5% in the second and third years. Grants cover various expenses, including rotational grazing infrastructure and technical assistance from certified specialists. The program included support for innovation, market development, and supply chain enhancement related to forage-fed livestock. Additionally, one part-time position is created to support the program's administration, funded from the environmental fund, with the bill taking effect post-publication.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Todd Novak (Republican-51st District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District), Senator Brad Pfaff (Democrat-32nd District), Senator Jeff Smith (Democrat-31st District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), and Representative Jill Billings (Democrat-95th District), along 19 other co-sponsors.

Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 11 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Testin graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 2011 with a BS.

Testin, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2017 to represent the state's 24th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Howard Marklein.

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.

Bills Introduced by Patrick Testin in Wisconsin Senate During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
SB11303/07/2025A transition to grazing pilot program and making an appropriation. (FE)
SB9603/07/2025Exempting certain electric vehicle charging stations located at a residence from the electric vehicle charging tax. (FE)
SB7102/26/2025Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE)
SB6802/24/2025The prescription drug monitoring program. (FE)
SB2402/05/2025Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE)

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