Wisconsin’s Top Agricultural Commodities

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  1. Dairy and Milk – Known for its booming dairy industry, Wisconsin milk products had a $6.8 billion value in 2014. Approximately 1.27 million dairy cows produced a total of 27.8 billion pounds of milk.
  2. Cattle and calves – Wisconsin has a total of 3.5 million cattle and calves. In 2014, value of production was $1.6 billion.
  3. Corn – In 2014, Wisconsin produced 15.7 million tons of corn silage and 485 million bushels of corn for grain. The value of grain production for that year was $1.8 billion.
  4. Soybeans – Soybeans are used for a variety of products including biofuel, plastics and food products. In Wisconsin, the crop had a production value of $795 million in 2014.
  5. Hay – Wisconsin counted 4.87 million tons of hay harvested in 2014. The value of all hay production for Wisconsin that year was $732 million.
  6. Potatoes – A staple on America’s dinner table, potatoes had a $273 million production value in Wisconsin in 2014. Wisconsin potato farmers harvested 63,000 acres and yielded 2.71 billion pounds.
  7. Cranberries – Of the 5 million barrels of cranberries Wisconsin farmers harvested in 2014, 4.79 million were used for processing into juice and other products, while the rest were sold at fresh market. Cranberries had a $138 million value of production.
  8. Broilers – Wisconsin counted 53.4 million broilers, or chickens raised for meat, in 2014. Sales of broilers accounted for $143 million of revenue in 2014.
  9. Eggs – Wisconsin’s poultry industry encompasses more than broilers. The state’s laying hens produced 1.45 billion eggs in 2014 with production valued at $129.9 million.
  10. Hogs – Wisconsin’s 300,000 hogs were valued at $136.9 million in 2014.

Article Source: http://www.farmflavor.com/us-ag/wisconsin/industry-overview-wisconsin/wisconsins-top-agricultural-commodities/

farmflavor.com: Wisconsin Agriculture By: Rachel Bertone

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Original Article Written By: Rachel Bertone at www.farmflavor.com

In Wisconsin, agriculture reigns supreme. Contributing $88 billion to the economy annually, the state’s robust industry provides 413,500 jobs. In fact, one in every nine jobs in Wisconsin is related to agriculture, and every job in agriculture supports another 1.46 jobs in the state.

With 69,000 farms spreading across 14.5 million acres of farmland, Wisconsin’s farmers produce various commodities including milk and dairy products, corn, cattle and calves, soybeans, potatoes, and more. Wisconsin is a top player for the nation, too, ranking first in the production of cheese, milk goats, mink pelts, cranberries and snap beans for processing.

While Americans get to enjoy the fruits of Wisconsin farmers’ labor, the rest of the world does, too. The state exports agricultural goods including dairy products, denatured ethanol, beer, mink pelts, cereal grains, food ingredients and animal hides, and is the nation’s top exporter of ginseng root. Wisconsin is also internationally known for exceptional bovine genetics.

Several organic agricultural companies call Wisconsin home, such as Sassy Cow Creamery, located in Columbus, Wis., which has been owned and operated by the Baerwolf family since 1946. Recognizing the consumer interest in organic foods, they have the unique situation of managing two distinct herds, one traditional and one organic, with around 550 cows total. They offer a variety of milk and ice cream products at their farmstead creamery as well as at many locations around the region.

Wisconsin maintains a strong agriculture industry, while also working to prepare future generations of agriculture leaders. Wisconsin 4-H is one example of a key program teaching youth leadership, citizenship and life skills through agricultural activities, with about 50,000 members enrolled in clubs across the state. Wisconsin FFA, with over 19,180 members, also aims to help students with personal growth, develop their potential and get a head start on their careers through agricultural education. To learn more about these programs, visit uwex.edu/ces/4h and wisconsinffa.org.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT www.farmflavor.com/us-ag/wisconsin/industry-overview-wisconsin/wisconsin-agriculture/

farmflavor.com: Wisconsin Dairy is a Family Tradition

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Original Article Written By: Jessica Walker Boehm at farmflavor.com

The Diedrich family owns and operates a dairy farm in Twin Lakes that has been passed down for three generations.
Front Row: Sandra and Richard Diedrich; Back Row: Son John, grandson Justin, son Philip and his wife, Kim.

Farming is a family affair for the Diedrichs, who have owned and operated a dairy farm in Twin Lakes for three generations and are still going strong.

Deep, Strong Roots
Edward Diedrich bought the farm in 1950, and in the 1970s, his son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Sandra Diedrich, took over. While Richard and Sandra continue to help out, their sons, Philip and John, primarily handle the farm’s day-to-day operations.

“I grew up on the farm,” Philip Diedrich says. “This is the only job I’ve ever had. I just enjoyed it when I was growing up and decided to continue it.”

Philip’s wife, Kimberly, and their three children – Abby, Shannon and Kyle – all work on the farm, as well as John’s son, Justin.

READ THIS FULL ARTICLE AT www.farmflavor.com/us-ag/wisconsin/animals-and-livestock-wisconsin/wisconsin-dairy-is-a-family-tradition