A commentary by Secretary Randy Romanski of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin shines during National Dairy Month each year. As part of this, dairy farms across the state welcome people to the farm to learn about the food supply chain, sustainability, and the future of America’s Dairyland. Although summer has flown by and June is long past, dairy is still at the forefront of what we do in the state.
No matter the time of year in Wisconsin, dairy never sleeps. With a $52.8 billion contribution to the state’s economy each year, dairy is an economic powerhouse and is the state’s calling card. We raced through county fair season and the Wisconsin State Fair. These events build toward events like World Dairy Expo, which bring people from across the globe to our doorstep. This event has it all – from the best animals and genetics to the best feed, equipment, and seminars.
It’s important that Wisconsin hosts World Dairy Expo to showcase dairy right here in the state. The state recognizes this value and, each year, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works to bring delegations from around the world to the event in Madison. As part of these trade activities, we connect foreign buyers to the best dairy products and technologies.
Through our international agribusiness team, DATCP expects to connect people from dozens of delegations to Wisconsin companies and agribusinesses. These connections help support Wisconsin’s agriculture, food, and forestry industries and the export of these products. Notably, the last five years have been the highest five years of agriculture, food, and forestry exports on record for the state. Thanks to the Governor’s investment in the Wisconsin Initiative for Agriculture Exports and the continued opportunity to strengthen relationships at trade missions abroad and at events like World Dairy Expo, the state continues to grow the export of dairy products.
We need to keep investing in agriculture and finding partners that play to our strengths, because agriculture is not just part of our past and present, but it’s also part of our future. As September comes to a close, make your plan for how you will continue supporting and celebrating Wisconsin’s dairy industry. Although National Dairy Month is in the rear view for this year, dairy churns on.
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