Governor Evers Highlights Wisconsin's Dairy and Tourism Industries

Governor Tony Evers, accompanied by Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers, visited Lamers Dairy in Appleton as part of a statewide tour during June Dairy Month. The tour aimed to celebrate the dairy industry and highlight recent achievements in the state's tourism sector.

Wisconsin's tourism industry reached record levels in 2025, with 117.9 million visits, an increase of 3.5 million from the previous year. The sector generated over $1.7 billion in state and local revenue and supported more than 183,000 jobs. These figures mark the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking economic impact for Wisconsin tourism.

Wisconsin is home to approximately 1.3 million dairy cows and over 5,000 dairy farms, with the dairy industry contributing $52.8 billion annually to the state's economy. During his visit, Governor Evers emphasized the importance of the dairy sector and his administration's efforts to support it.

The 2025-27 biennial budget signed by Evers includes significant investments in agriculture, such as $150 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program and $20 million for a new program to enhance dairy and agriculture resilience. Additionally, $800,000 is allocated for the Dairy Processor Grant Program, aiming to bolster dairy processing capabilities.

Other initiatives under Evers' administration include the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, which seeks to increase agricultural exports by 25%. Currently, Wisconsin ranks 11th in the nation for agricultural exports, according to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

These efforts reflect the state's ongoing commitment to strengthening both its dairy industry and tourism sector, crucial components of Wisconsin's economic landscape.