Wisconsin Dairy Industry Hits $52.8 Billion Milestone
Dairy as Wisconsin's Economic Anchor
The newly released report highlights dairy's critical role in the state’s economy, accounting for 45.4% of Wisconsin's total agricultural activity and nearly 6.5% of the state’s overall economic output. To put this into perspective, the $52.8 billion impact rivals the annual revenues of global corporations such as Nike and American Airlines.
“Thanks to our dedicated dairy farm families, this report underscores the importance of cheese and dairy to our state's economy,” said Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “Wisconsin continues to lead as America's Dairyland, delivering high-quality dairy products to consumers worldwide.”
Job Creation and Revenue Multiplication
The dairy sector directly supports 120,700 jobs statewide. Every dollar generated by the industry drives an additional $0.93 in revenue for Wisconsin, showcasing the extensive ripple effect of dairy across the local economy.
Key Drivers of Growth
- Dairy Processing Expansion: The number of dairy processing companies in Wisconsin grew by nearly 50%, from 162 in 2001 to 242 in 2022. Dairy processing now accounts for two-thirds of the industry’s total contribution.
- Global Recognition: Wisconsin leads the nation in dairy innovation and cheese production, boasting over 600 types, styles, and varieties of cheese. Over the past two decades, the state has won more cheese awards than any other state or country, solidifying its global reputation for excellence.
Leadership Perspectives
“Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural economy is anchored by its dairy industry, which remains a cornerstone of our rural and urban economies,” said Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “The hard work of our farmers, haulers, and processors ensures Wisconsin remains the premier dairy state.”
Future Outlook
As dairy continues to drive Wisconsin's economic momentum, the state’s integration of infrastructure, supply chains, and innovation clusters ensures a thriving future. The collective effort of stakeholders in the dairy ecosystem promises to keep Wisconsin at the forefront of dairy production, innovation, and excellence.
