As Wisconsin residents, we all know that agriculture is not only vital to our economic well-being, but also a treasured part of our state's history and culture. In fact, agriculture as a whole generates more than $51 billion annually and supports around 420,000 jobs for our state's economy. Therefore, it is important that we recognize the significance of agriculture and do everything possible to ensure it continues to thrive.
Specifically, Wisconsin has the honor of being called "America's Dairyland." Every year the dairy industry generates nearly half of the state's agricultural output, more than $20 billion, which works out to $39,000 per minute. It is no wonder we dedicate the entire month of June each year to the dairy sector.
Since 1937, June has been Dairy Month in Wisconsin. We celebrate with communities across the state holding dairy breakfasts, festivals and parades. Perhaps one of my favorite events of year is attending the local dairy breakfasts. Green County just held its breakfast last Saturday, which, as always, turned out to be a great success. Other nearby counties like Lafayette, Rock, and Dane will be hosting their dairy breakfasts on Saturday, June 14. I encourage you to visit www.wisdairy.com for more information on these dairy breakfasts and the dairy industry in general, including great dairy recipes.
Recognizing the importance of the dairy and agriculture industries to our state's economy, the Legislature approved several bills designed to foster their development at the state level this past legislative session. Working with both sides of the aisle, we were able to enact Wisconsin Act 223, which establishes the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council. The council will work to ensure the state will have the future farmers and agricultural workers needed to keep Wisconsin agriculture strong and growing.
We also passed a dairy manufacturing tax credit, which I was the author of. The tax credit will allow the modernization and investment in the dairy industry that is needed to keep Wisconsin competitive in an increasingly global economy.
In addition, the state budget included a soybean crushing grant provision that both Senator Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, and I worked on together to get enacted. The $4 million grant will be matched by private funds in an effort to bring Wisconsin's first soybean crushing facility to Evansville. The construction of a crush facility will enhance the soybean market in Wisconsin, create new high-paying jobs, and reduce the cost of soybean oil for biodiesel plants, and soybean feedstock for livestock.
Overall, the outlook for agriculture and dairy looks strong. Governor Jim Doyle recently announced first quarter Wisconsin agriculture exports were up more than 18 percent. The increase was Wisconsin's highest agricultural export sales recorded for a single quarter, with dairy exports up nearly 103 percent to $65 million.
The state must continue to do all it can to get our overall economy on the right track again, including strong support of our dairy industry. By doing so, we'll ensure our kids and grandchildren can celebrate the legacy of America's Dairyland with events in communities throughout Wisconsin each June.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
Specifically, Wisconsin has the honor of being called "America's Dairyland." Every year the dairy industry generates nearly half of the state's agricultural output, more than $20 billion, which works out to $39,000 per minute. It is no wonder we dedicate the entire month of June each year to the dairy sector.
Since 1937, June has been Dairy Month in Wisconsin. We celebrate with communities across the state holding dairy breakfasts, festivals and parades. Perhaps one of my favorite events of year is attending the local dairy breakfasts. Green County just held its breakfast last Saturday, which, as always, turned out to be a great success. Other nearby counties like Lafayette, Rock, and Dane will be hosting their dairy breakfasts on Saturday, June 14. I encourage you to visit www.wisdairy.com for more information on these dairy breakfasts and the dairy industry in general, including great dairy recipes.
Recognizing the importance of the dairy and agriculture industries to our state's economy, the Legislature approved several bills designed to foster their development at the state level this past legislative session. Working with both sides of the aisle, we were able to enact Wisconsin Act 223, which establishes the Wisconsin Agricultural Education and Workforce Development Council. The council will work to ensure the state will have the future farmers and agricultural workers needed to keep Wisconsin agriculture strong and growing.
We also passed a dairy manufacturing tax credit, which I was the author of. The tax credit will allow the modernization and investment in the dairy industry that is needed to keep Wisconsin competitive in an increasingly global economy.
In addition, the state budget included a soybean crushing grant provision that both Senator Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, and I worked on together to get enacted. The $4 million grant will be matched by private funds in an effort to bring Wisconsin's first soybean crushing facility to Evansville. The construction of a crush facility will enhance the soybean market in Wisconsin, create new high-paying jobs, and reduce the cost of soybean oil for biodiesel plants, and soybean feedstock for livestock.
Overall, the outlook for agriculture and dairy looks strong. Governor Jim Doyle recently announced first quarter Wisconsin agriculture exports were up more than 18 percent. The increase was Wisconsin's highest agricultural export sales recorded for a single quarter, with dairy exports up nearly 103 percent to $65 million.
The state must continue to do all it can to get our overall economy on the right track again, including strong support of our dairy industry. By doing so, we'll ensure our kids and grandchildren can celebrate the legacy of America's Dairyland with events in communities throughout Wisconsin each June.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
