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Home > BizTimes Daily > Archives > September 8, 2008
Wisconsin reaches record ag exports
Published September 8, 2008 - BizTimes Daily
Wisconsin’s agricultural exports increased by 13 percent during the first six months of 2008, reaching a record $975 million.
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle made the announcement of the state's record ag exports during the 2008 Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference in Milwaukee this morning.
"Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of our economy and today consumers around the world view Wisconsin as a source for food and livestock," Doyle said. "In Wisconsin, we are aggressively positioning ourselves to take advantage of this growing demand through technological upgrades and new products."
Wisconsin's dairy exports grew by 59 percent, up from $76 million in the first half of 2007 to $121 million in the first six months of 2008. Exports were driven by a healthy demand for cheese, whey and butter. Wisconsin cheese exports set a record value of $48.7 million for the first six months of 2008, a 48-percent increase.
The state's world-class dairy genetic exports grew 35 percent, to $31 million in the first half of 2008, driven by demand from Mexico, United Kingdom and Brazil.
Wisconsin's dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS) continue to experience wide international acceptance as a livestock feed. DDGS exports grew 169 percent compared with the first six months of 2007.
The state’s agricultural exports were driven by growing consumer demand in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Korea for dairy products, baking and brewing ingredients, foods and food preparations, beverages and hides.
Agriculture generates $51 billion for the state annually and close to half a million jobs.
