The dairy industry in Wisconsin is not just a local treasure but a global leader in agricultural impact. Newly released data highlights the significant role Wisconsin’s dairy plays in shaping the state’s economy and beyond.
The dairy industry in Wisconsin is not just a local treasure but a global leader in agricultural impact. Newly released data from the “Contribution of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy: An Update for 2022,” conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, highlights the significant role Wisconsin’s dairy plays in shaping the state’s economy and beyond.
Economic Contributions
The importance of the dairy sector cannot be overstated, as it generates nearly half of Wisconsin’s annual industrial agricultural revenue, making up about 6.5% of the entire state economy. Despite obstacles like fluctuating milk prices and the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the dairy industry remains a steadfast pillar of Wisconsin’s local communities and economy. The report reveals an impressive 11% rise in total agricultural economic impact, reaching $116.28 billion. Dairy alone accounts for a remarkable 16% increase, contributing $52.8 billion to this total.
Governor Evers remarked on the critical role the dairy industry plays in Wisconsin.
“Here in America’s Dairyland, our farmers, producers, agricultural industries, and rural communities are such an important part of our state’s heritage and tradition as well as our economy and our future, providing 353,900 jobs, contributing $116.3 billion to the economy annually,” Gov. Evers said. “From launching our Wisconsin Farm Support Program in 2020 to working to increase our state’s agricultural exports to investing in safe, reliable roads to get from point A to point B, we’ve been hard at work to bolster this vital industry for the past five years, and we will continue our work to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture industry for years to come.”
Comparable to Global Giants
To appreciate the true impact of Wisconsin’s dairy industry, it’s helpful to make a global comparison. The $52.8 billion economic contribution of this sector stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the world’s most prominent companies, such as Nike and American Airlines, each with annual revenues near $50 billion. This puts Wisconsin’s dairy industry on a comparable footing with giants in the global marketplace, underscoring its importance not only locally, but internationally.
Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, remarks, “Thanks to our dedicated dairy farm families, this report underscores the importance of cheese and dairy to our state’s economy. Our collective efforts continue to strengthen Wisconsin’s reputation as the premier dairy state, and we will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead the way in delivering the finest dairy products to consumers across the globe.”
Supporting Local Economies
The dairy industry in Wisconsin supports a staggering 353,900 jobs, illustrating its crucial role in employment within the state. Moreover, for every dollar generated by the dairy industry, an additional ninety-three cents are contributed to revenue, further amplifying its importance to the state’s economic stability.
Additional key findings from the report include:
• Dairy is an economic cluster that impacts rural and urban areas thanks to the integration of the dairy infrastructure, including the supply chain and other interconnected businesses and associations.
• From 2001 to 2022, the number of dairy processing companies in Wisconsin grew from 162 to 242 – a 49.4% growth.
• Dairy processing accounts for about two-thirds of dairy’s total contribution.
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