By Blake Jackson
Last week, Governor Tony Evers traveled across Wisconsin to kick off the fall agricultural tourism season, highlighting the industry's significant contribution to the state's economy and local communities.
Gov. Evers declared the period from September 19 to October 31, 2024, as the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Fall Season.
“Our agricultural and tourism economies are a proud part of our state’s heritage and tradition, and I’ve been excited to travel across Wisconsin highlighting how these two critical industries come together and connect the dots during the fall agricultural tourism season,” said Gov. Evers. “Agricultural tourism is a celebration of so much Wisconsin has to offer from corn mazes and pumpkin patches to apple picking, harvest festivals, and everything in between while helping support local communities, businesses, workers, and families in every corner of the state.”
On September 30, the governor visited Lake Nokomis Cranberries in Eagle River, where he toured the winery and gift shop with owner Dave Zawitowski.
Dave emphasized the business's shift towards tourism through cranberry bog bus tours and their annual Cranberry Fest.
The governor then went to Sabamba Alpaca Ranch and Bed and Breakfast in De Pere, where he met newborn alpacas and enjoyed a walk with an older one named Scooby Doo.
The following day, Gov. Evers attended the World Dairy Expo in Madison, meeting attendees, including an Indonesian delegation.
Gov. Evers also visited Footjoy Farm and Brewery in Cashton, where he and owner Chad Forsberg made a locally sourced pizza.
On October 3, the governor toured New Life Lavender Farm in Baraboo, enjoying a hayride and harvesting lavender before savoring lavender ice cream.
With over 58,000 farms generating $104.8 billion annually, Wisconsin’s agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the state’s economy, especially during fall tourism.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Government & Policy