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Wisconsin Ag News Headlines
Study: Wisconsin Agriculture Now a $88.3 Billion Industry
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/22/2014

A new study released on Friday by the University of Wisconsin-Extension confirms that the state's farm and agribusiness sector is continuing to grow. Based on 2012 data, the report shows the agricultural industry generates over $88.3 billion in economic activity each year and provides 413,500 jobs.

"Agriculture remains an important part of the Wisconsin economy," said Steven Deller, a UW-Extension community development specialist and professor in the UW-Madison agricultural and applied economics department. "Even in the most urban parts of the state, agriculture's contribution is notable."

Deller's department found that agriculture has risen in importance for the state's economy, despite the combined effects of the drought of 2012 and the Great Recession. It generated $29 billion more economic activity in 2012 than in 2007, when his group released its last assessment on the industry, and an additional 59,509 jobs over the past five years. In 2012 it accounted for 11.9 percent of the state's overall employment--up from 10 percent in 2007.

Specifically, the study found that on-farm activity contributed 153,900 jobs, $5.7 billion to labor income, $8.9 billion to total income, and $20.5 billion to industrial sales. Food processing contributed 259,600 jobs, $12.9 billion to labor income, $21.2 billion to total income, and $67.8 billion to industrial sales.

Dairy remains the largest part of the ag industry, with growing strength in dried-condensed-evaporated milk and butter supplies. Dairy farming and dairy processing contribute 78,900 jobs, $3.9 billion to labor income, $7.2 billion to total income, and $43.4 billion to industrial sales.

Deller says about one in nine people working in Wisconsin hold a job related to agriculture, such as farmers, their employees and those providing them with goods and services like veterinarians, crop and livestock consultants, feed and fuel suppliers, equipment dealers and lenders.

Governor Walker praised the results of the report last week, stating that opportunities for continued growth in the future agriculture are endless.

"The fact that agriculture nearly doubled its impact on the state's economy is not only a tribute to the hard working farmers who produce a quality product, but to the broad span of businesses owners and employees who process, package and market those products here at home and abroad," Walker said. "To maintain our presence as an international leader in agriculture development and innovation, we will continue our work to fuel the industry, as we have done by putting in place the agriculture tax credit, so that our farmers and processors can continue to grow, develop, and produce some of the greatest products in the world."

Support for study work was provided in part by the Office of the Dean, UW-Extension, Office of the Secretary at DATCP and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.


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