Wisconsin dairy industry drives $52.8B economic impact

By Blake Jackson

A report by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has revealed the significant economic impact of Wisconsin's dairy industry.

Despite recent challenges, dairy remains the cornerstone of Wisconsin's agricultural sector, contributing nearly half of the state's annual industrial agricultural revenue.

The industry's total economic impact surged to $52.8 billion in 2022, a 16% increase compared to 2017. This remarkable figure positions Wisconsin's dairy industry on par with global giants like Nike and American Airlines in terms of economic impact.

“Thanks to our dedicated dairy farm families this report underscores the importance of cheese and dairy to our state’s economy,” says Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin CEO Chad Vincent. “Our collective efforts continue to strengthen Wisconsin’s reputation as the premier dairy state and we will continue to innovate, inspire, and lead the way in delivering the finest dairy products to consumers across the globe.”

The dairy industry supports over 120,700 jobs in Wisconsin and generates significant revenue for the state. For every dollar earned by the dairy industry, an additional 93 cents is added to the state's economy.

“One of Wisconsin’s strengths is the diversity of our agricultural industry, but Wisconsin proudly wears the title of America’s Dairyland,” said Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. “This report further confirms the impact of our dairy industry on our state’s economy. The hard work of Wisconsin’s dairy farmers, haulers, and processors contributes to the impressive economic impact of our dairy industry.”

Key findings from the report include:

• Dairy is the largest contributor to Wisconsin's agricultural economy, accounting for 45.4% of the total.
• Dairy processing accounts for two-thirds of the industry's economic impact.
• The number of dairy processing companies in Wisconsin has grown by 49.4% since 2001.
• Wisconsin's dairy industry has a strong and interconnected supply chain that benefits both rural and urban areas.

Wisconsin's rich dairy heritage, coupled with its commitment to innovation, has solidified its position as a global leader in dairy production. The state's diverse range of cheeses and dairy products continues to captivate consumers worldwide.

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