The $51 billion Wisconsin agricultural industry remains strong, with record export figures reported during the first six months of 2008. The announcement of growing Wisconsin exports was made by Governor Jim Doyle at the annual Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference in Milwaukee earlier this week. This is good news for our resilient industry, considering continued weak economic growth nationwide.
Overall, Wisconsin's agricultural exports increased 13 percent this year. Dairy exports expanded by 59 percent, up to $121 million, while our cutting-edge dairy genetics exports grew 35 percent. Growing demand in countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan and Korea, have aided in the continued strength of this key industry.
The agriculture industry's continued strength is fueled by the hard work, long hours and determination of farm families in our area. Agriculture is an important part of our state's economy by providing more than 420,000 jobs statewide. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in our local economies, we've made efforts at the state level to ensure continued growth in this sector.
Specifically, we have passed several pieces of legislation that have kept Wisconsin competitive on both the national and international scale. By passing both the Dairy Manufacturing and Meat Processing Tax Credits, we have enabled local producers to expand and modernize their operations. In addition, we also acted to bring the first soybean crushing plant to Wisconsin. This facility will have a large positive economic impact throughout the entire economy of southern Wisconsin by reducing transportation costs and creating 40 jobs.
Wisconsin's agricultural industry is important not only to our history, but also to our economic well-being. Growing export figures are a key sign that our policies and actions at the state level are working. I will continue to promote and strengthen this key economic engine.
I want to hear from you so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- 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.
Overall, Wisconsin's agricultural exports increased 13 percent this year. Dairy exports expanded by 59 percent, up to $121 million, while our cutting-edge dairy genetics exports grew 35 percent. Growing demand in countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan and Korea, have aided in the continued strength of this key industry.
The agriculture industry's continued strength is fueled by the hard work, long hours and determination of farm families in our area. Agriculture is an important part of our state's economy by providing more than 420,000 jobs statewide. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in our local economies, we've made efforts at the state level to ensure continued growth in this sector.
Specifically, we have passed several pieces of legislation that have kept Wisconsin competitive on both the national and international scale. By passing both the Dairy Manufacturing and Meat Processing Tax Credits, we have enabled local producers to expand and modernize their operations. In addition, we also acted to bring the first soybean crushing plant to Wisconsin. This facility will have a large positive economic impact throughout the entire economy of southern Wisconsin by reducing transportation costs and creating 40 jobs.
Wisconsin's agricultural industry is important not only to our history, but also to our economic well-being. Growing export figures are a key sign that our policies and actions at the state level are working. I will continue to promote and strengthen this key economic engine.
I want to hear from you so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- 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.
