New Report Shows Wisconsin Dairy Generates $45.6 Billion Economic Impact

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Aug 13, 2019, 11:49 ET

MADISON, Wis., Aug. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The overall economic impact of Wisconsin's dairy industry is bigger than ever, according to new research conducted by the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

Dairy continues to lead Wisconsin agriculture, the new report shows, generating nearly half of Wisconsin's annual industrial agricultural revenue – and represents 16.4% of the state's total. Despite recent milk price challenges, the report shows dairy continues to make a significant impact on local Wisconsin communities.

A new report from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that Wisconsin dairy generates $45.6B for the state's economy. Dairy continues to make a significant impact on the lives of all Wisconsinites - representing nearly half of Wisconsin’s annual industrial agricultural revenue. Dairy contributes more to Wisconsin's economy than many other states and their signature industries, including citrus to Florida or potatoes to Idaho.

The report titled "The Contribution of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy" is based on the most recent data available (2017) and updates research conducted every five years by UW—Madison under the direction of Professor Steven Deller at the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and Extension's Center for Community Economic Development. Total agricultural economic impact grew from $88.3 billion to $104.8 billion with dairy's impact growing to $45.6 billion.

"It is clear that agriculture – and particularly dairy – plays a critical role in Wisconsin's economy," says Deller, adding, "To put this in perspective, dairy's economic impact is twice that of another key growing industry, Wisconsin tourism. It also shows dairy is Wisconsin's signature industry and is central to our state's identity."

The report shows that from farmers' milk 154,000 Wisconsin jobs are created and $1.26 billion in state and local taxes are generated. Every dollar generated by Wisconsin's dairy industry generates another $1.73 in additional revenue for the state, according to the report.

"This report reflects the importance of cheese and dairy in our state and is why we are America's Dairyland," says Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin CEO Chad Vincent. "To me, the deeper importance is the impact dairy farming and processing has on maintaining and growing our rural areas. The economic impact derived from agriculture in our state cannot be underestimated. Statewide dairy helps support a strong future for Wisconsin with job creation and tax revenue that goes toward better roads, new schools and a variety of other public services."

Additionally, the report identifies foreign export markets as a primary source of new growth for Wisconsin agriculture. As a state, Wisconsin exported over $2.5 billion in agriculture products last year with dairy products as the second-largest contributor at $451 million.

"Consumers from around the world need and want protein in their diet. With Wisconsin's abundance of protein-rich dairy products, it's easy to see why we are an international leader in the dairy industry," said Secretary-designee Brad Pfaff of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). "It's clear from these findings that growing the demand for our high-quality, nutritious dairy beyond our borders is key to the future of our state's dairy industry."

Additional key findings from the report include:

Dairy generates 43.5% of the state's total agriculture activity.
Dairy, combining both on-farm and dairy processing, contributes $45.6 billion to industrial revenues (7.1% of the state total), 157,100 jobs (4.2%), $9.0 billion to labor income (4.5%) and $15.1 billion to total income (4.7%).
Dairy processing accounts for roughly two-thirds of dairy's total contribution.
90 percent of Wisconsin milk is devoted to cheesemaking while the remaining is deployed to butter, ice cream and cultured products such as yogurt, cottage cheese and kefir.

Wisconsin's dairy heritage dates back generations and is rooted in European traditions. Today, Wisconsin leads the nation in dairy innovation and has distinguished itself over the past two decades by winning more cheese awards than any other state or country. Wisconsin crafts more varieties, types and styles of cheese than anywhere else on earth and holds a 48% share of the nation's specialty cheese category.

To see the full report and access media assets including B Roll package with interviews, visit WisconsinDairy.org/impact.

About Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin exists to be a tireless advocate, marketer, and promoter for Wisconsin dairy farmers and to drive demand for Wisconsin's dairy products. The organization represents Wisconsin farm families and works to increase the sale and consumption of Wisconsin milk and dairy products, as well as build trust in dairy farmers and the industry. Organizational initiatives include generating national publicity, managing digital advertising, and driving sales, distribution and trial through retail and foodservice promotions. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin also supports in-school education about the benefits of dairy and funding for the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For more information, visit wisconsindairy.org and follow on Facebook.
Funded by Wisconsin dairy farmers, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that focuses on marketing and promoting Wisconsin's world-class dairy products. For more information, visit our website at wisconsindairy.org.

About UW—Madison Division of Extension: The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension works alongside the people of Wisconsin to deliver practical educational programs tailored to the local needs where people live and work - on the farm, in schools and throughout urban and rural communities. With educational colleagues in 72 county offices, on five 4-year campuses and within five tribal nations, Extension provides Wisconsin citizens access to unbiased expertise, resources and university research. For more information, visit https://extension.wisc.edu and follow on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin