Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin Ranks Second Nationally for Organic Farming

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Wisconsin Ranks Second Nationally for Organic Farming
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 11/18/2015

Wisconsin continues to be one of the most vibrant states in the country when it comes to organic agriculture. The USDA has released the results of its 2014 Organic Survey, which is said to be one of the most comprehensive studies on organic farming in the history of the agency.

The report says the Badger State is home to about nine percent of the nation's organic farms, in which 1,228 operations grew crops on 228,605 organic acres last year. Overall, the state ranks second nationally for organic production, just behind California.

The average production expenses per farm in Wisconsin was $111,226, compared with the U.S. average of $280,722.

Wholesale market sales accounted for 85 percent of the sales from the state's organic farms; with consumer direct sales accounting for 10 percent.

USDA says about 61 percent of the nation's organic cranberries were grown in Wisconsin. Organic blueberry and strawberry sales also increased from 2008 by 179 and 43 percent, respectively.

As of last fall, Wisconsin producers had 25,758 dairy cows on hand. Organic cow milk production also increased nine percent from six years earlier.

Other Wisconsin Headlines