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- Signing Off as Wisconsin's 72nd Alice in Dairyland
The evening of May 11, 2019 will forever hold a special place in my heart. That night, in an auditorium filled with members of the Wisconsin agriculture community, I heard my name called to serve as our state’s 72nd Alice in Dairyland. Now, almost 15 months later, it is hard to believe my time as our state’s agriculture ambassador is coming to a close. As my incredible journey nears its end, I am filled with pride for Wisconsin’s $104.8 billion agriculture community. Throughout my year as the 72nd Alice in Dairyland, I have met the people, visited the places, and tasted the products that make our industry so special. Whether I was spending time with a first-generation turkey farmer, visiting a potato field during harvest, or trying a new apple variety, I loved discovering agriculture diversity around every Wisconsin corner. Highlights from my year are hard to narrow down – believe me, I made a full-page list – but a few stand out above the rest. Filling iconic Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs with cream, sampling countless foods made from cranberries at the Warrens Cranberry Festival, and my first-ever attempt at tapping a maple tree all rank high. I also fondly remember getting lost in an ‘Alice in Dairyland’ corn maze at Pearce’s Farm Stand, eating a full meal of ginseng (salad, tea, main course and all) in Marathon County, and cutting a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese at the World Championship Cheese Contest. With every mile I drove, I was fueled by Wisconsin’s corn growers. Thanks to the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, I traveled in style in an E85 Ford Explorer nicknamed Kernel. At each stop I made, I was easily recognizable thanks to the iconic brooch and tiara donated by the Midwest Jewelers Association. And when the temperatures dropped this winter, I was proud to stay warm in a real, Wisconsin mink fur coat, courtesy of the Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association and the Halbach Mink Ranch. Thank you to all three of these great Alice in Dairyland program partners. In addition, I am grateful for the Alice in Dairyland program’s continued partnership with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. As I promoted dairy farmers, processors, and products throughout our state, their organization was there with me every step of the way. I am truly thankful for their support. Though I may be biased, I honestly believe Wisconsin agriculture is second to none. From top-notch producers, to innovative processors and industry-leading researchers, Wisconsin agriculture commodities consistently find their way to the top. As I spoke with consumers throughout our state, it didn’t matter if I was talking quantity, quality, or diversity of our products, because Wisconsin agriculture hits the mark for all three. To my colleagues at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, who have dedicated their lives to the success of our state’s agriculture industry, I say thank you. Your knowledge, guidance, and words of encouragement supported me from beginning to end. My most important message of thanks goes out to my friends and family, who journeyed this road with me. Whether listening intently in the audience during a presentation, standing behind the camera snapping that perfect shot, or increasing my social content’s visibility with a ‘like’ or a ‘share’ – ‘my people’ have supported me every step of the way. From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate everyone who has shared this adventure with me; whether we met at a dairy breakfast, the county fair, or never in person, but instead through my Adventures in Agriculture blog – know that I am grateful for you. As I complete this once-in-a-lifetime year, I say thank you to everyone who made my time as Wisconsin’s 72nd Alice in Dairyland truly unforgettable. Stay Cheesy, Wisconsin!
- Who is Grace Schroeder?
What makes me who I am today? The short answer, Wisconsin. Why? That’s a longer story. Hi everyone, my name is Grace Schroeder, and I am a young woman with many titles. I could be called a farmer’s daughter or a soon-to-be college graduate; however, my favorite title is the reason I am writing this blog post. I am a Top Candidate for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland. I am in this position because of my connection to and my love for Wisconsin agriculture. Wisconsin has a thriving agriculture industry that encompasses everything from award-winning cheeses to unique crops like cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey, and much more. Our Wisconsin farmers produce high-quality products for consumers around the world, and their commitment to excellence has fueled my ambition to become an ambassador for this community. I grew up on my family’s fourth generation farm in a scenic valley. I didn’t have neighbors to play with, so I filled my time with the next best thing, agriculture. Soon I wasn’t just feeding the calves and helping in the fields, I was contributing to the promotion of my communities and the agriculture products they had to offer. In high school, I represented the Cashton Fall Festival and the Warrens Cranberry Festival throughout the state. Bright summer days that involved dancing the Polka with my hometown farmers and breezy fall days during cranberry harvesting season are experiences I will not soon forget. My involvement in my community and these particular organizations led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in public relations at Saint Cloud State University. During my summer breaks, I always returned to work in my home state. This allowed me to gain first-hand knowledge of the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, local agriculture businesses, and, of course, cheese. Agriculture has been an integral part of my history. Immersing myself in this distinctive part of Wisconsin gave me the knowledge, confidence, and drive to pursue what I am now making my career. I hope to achieve the title of 73rd Alice in Dairyland so I can use my skills and connect the public to Wisconsin’s 104.8-billion-dollar agriculture industry. Thank you, Wisconsin, for making me who I am today.
- Julia Nunes: A Farm Girl’s Story
Days before starting first grade, my family moved to Wisconsin and purchased a small farm in Chippewa Falls. Although all three of my sisters and I had many interests, our lives revolved around the farm and the work that had to be done there every day. Feeding calves,[if gte vml 1]>
- “Once Upon a Time”
During my childhood, I found myself falling in love with all the Disney princess movies just like any other girl. I began to look up to them because I admired the certain characteristics of each princess. As I grew older, I realized I too possess some of the same qualities as these timeless characters. Belle from Beauty and the Beast always had her nose in the books. Much like her, I followed my dream of attending college to begin my career in agriculture. In December, I graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business with a finance emphasis. I plan to utilize my degree by becoming an agricultural loan officer to help farmers grow and succeed financially. Cinderella connected well with others and, of course, animals. I am the fifth generation to be raised on my family’s dairy farm just outside of Glenwood City, Wisconsin. It was there that I found the love for the dairy cow. In my youth, I was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA, where I showed dairy at both the county and state fair and took advantage of some unique leadership opportunities through FFA at the state level. I have held different leadership positions that helped me grow as a person and leader. I served as a Wisconsin State FFA Officer and the St. Croix County Fairest of the Fair, representing and promoting agriculture. Snow White is kind hearted and giving. I enjoy volunteering for organizations that have given so much to me in the past. I serve as the President of the Glenwood City FFA Alumni, where our club helps support the agriculture education and FFA programs at Glenwood City High School. I spend time as a co-coordinator for the St. Croix County Fairest of the Fair Program, where I schedule public appearances for the current Fairest and emcee the Fairest of the Fair coronation at the county fair in July. It is a misconception to the public that Alice in Dairyland is a princess, but in reality, she is the agricultural ambassador for Wisconsin representing the diverse $104.8 billion agriculture industry. I plan to use these qualities and experiences listed above in the Alice in Dairyland position to share the story of Wisconsin Agriculture with both rural and urban audiences. It has been a dream of mine to become Alice in Dairyland since I was in my teens, and it would be my honor to share my knowledge and excitement for the agriculture industry with all of you! As Walt Disney once stated, “if you can dream it, you can do it!”.
- Meet Stephanie Hoff: A rural girl communicating in an urban world
For the last time, chocolate milk does not come from a brown cow! Have you ever found yourself explaining where food comes from to someone who doesn’t know much about agriculture? Perhaps it’s on something more complex than chocolate milk and brown cows. People are becoming more and more removed from the farm, but there is no shortage of jobs in the ag industry as a whole or people to feed. As that on-farm knowledge fades among our population, it’s important that people understand where their food comes from and how it’s produced. As a rural girl in an urban world, that is something I find myself doing regularly – and enjoy it! I graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in life sciences communication in December of 2019. Even my degree highlights explaining complicated information to people who don’t have background on the topic. My adventure in agriculture started in rural towns around Thorp, Wisconsin in Clark County and I currently reside in Madison, Wisconsin. I grew up raising pigs, beef, and fainting goats. I showed my pigs at the Clark County Fair and was heavily involved in Thorp’s FFA chapter. I took those experiences in agriculture with me to UW where I got involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture, WSUM 91.7, and had several internships that kept me involved in agriculture. I built up the skill sets needed to be an effective communicator for Wisconsin agriculture and products. Upon graduation, I took a position as a reporter for WisBusiness.com and WisPolitics.com. There I also find myself taking dense information – now relating to politics and business – and making it understandable and relevant for our audience. As a final candidate for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland, I am looking forward to featuring the agriculture industry specifically. Our state’s agriculture is a diverse, modern industry vital to Wisconsin’s economy, with an annal economic impact of $104.8 billion and more than 435,000 jobs. With my skills in broadcast, journalism, marketing, and my rural to urban life, I can educate and advocate about Wisconsin agriculture because buying Wisconsin products supports our farmers and contributes to the economic strength of Wisconsin communities. If you find yourself wondering about Wisconsin agriculture – or where chocolate milk comes from – follow Alice in Dairyland on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for behind-the-scenes food production, product recommendations, and so much more!
- A Barn and Three Silos
In a world of constant hustle and bustle, it’s important to take the time to soak in your surroundings. I often stand in the footprints of my ancestors to acknowledge the land they tended to and pieces they’ve left. What still stands on the acreage my family cleared is a barn and three silos—a view I will never get tired of. My family provides a long-lived legacy in Wisconsin agriculture which has sparked a passion in me. Deeply rooted in agriculture, I have spent my youth and early career immersing myself in Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry only to find that the view of my family’s homestead embodies everything I hold dear. As I admire the beauty in our 167 year-old, weathered barn, I reflect what it represents in me. Growing up as the seventh generation on my family’s farm serves as the backbone in my agriculture pursuits, leading me to endless opportunities. This barn is my foundation. Each silo represents a pillar that fuels my passion for agriculture— Agriculture Organizations: As a young agriculturist, being involved in 4-H, FFA and Jr. Holstein Association allowed me to network with fellow youth. My involvement in Dairy Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Alpha Zeta throughout college helped me to develop professionalism while creating industry relationships. Education: Beyond my high school agriculture education, earning a dairy science degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls offered me experiences like none other. These include being a member of the National Dairy Challenge Team and Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Team. Community: I credit my community for providing support in a safe environment that has encouraged me in my endeavors. I am proud to give back my community by telling the story of Wisconsin producers and processors. My foundation and three pillars have provided me with support that has led me to be a top candidate for the 73rd Alice in Dairyland. I look forward to the opportunity to share the importance of buying Wisconsin products that will help strengthen our communities and contribute to Wisconsin farm families like mine. As Wisconsinites, it is our job to tell the story of our diverse and robust agriculture industry and promote its products. I encourage you to engage in your agriculture surroundings and acknowledge the importance it has on your life as I did with a barn and three silos.
- My Barn Looked Different
When you picture a Wisconsin barn, what does it look like? They come in all different shapes and sizes across our state. From the red barn at your grandpa’s farm, to your uncle’s 1,000 cow dairy, there is a place for all in Wisconsin agriculture. My barn didn’t look the same as most of my peers. My barn ranged from physical structures to a state of mind. My sister told me that you have to be irrationally in love with it to want to do it. You have to be so invested in what you love that even after you lose, you want to keep going. That kind of passion is born in a barn. My first barn sat on County Road A near Juneau, Wisconsin. My earliest memories include playing in the grain wheelbarrow, naming pasture grasses, and milking my first cow with the help of my dad. My parents raised their five kids as farm kids even after we left the farm. We learned to be responsible, honest, hardworking, and committed through 4-H projects and activities. My barn took on a new shape after my family transitioned away from the farm. I made myself at home in the barns of generous family friends and 4-H leaders who mentored me and fostered my passion for agriculture. These impactful individuals helped me to find my niche in agriculture, even though I was not directly involved in food production. My most impressionable barn was the dairy barn at the Rock County 4-H fair. For one week every summer, I got to be a farm kid. In the weeks leading up to the fair, I was responsible for the care of my dairy project animals. I got to experience our diverse and modern industry first hand through 4-H events and contests. My knowledge and enthusiasm for Wisconsin agriculture truly grew within the gates of the fair grounds. Once I started college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, my agriculture experiences involved barns across the state and country. My involvement in various campus organizations allowed me to share my barn as an advocate for Wisconsin’s diverse $104.3 billion agriculture industry. I took advantage of every opportunity to pair my classroom learning with hands-on applications through campus organizations and contests. My barn has taken on many different forms since that red barn on County Road A from so long ago. Today, my barn is full of friendly farmers, caring neighbors, and helpful mentors. Your barn might look different, too. Whether it be a physical structure or state of mind, we all play a part in agriculture. What does your barn look like?
- The Cherry on Top
Pretty, please … with a cherry on top! Make that a Wisconsin tart cherry on top, and a request like that is hard to refuse! Wisconsin tart cherries are known for their sour, yet sweet taste, distinctive deep red color, and of course, their home in Door County. Cherry trees have been growing in Door County since a late-1800s research trial introduced the tree to the area. After quick success, orchards began to pop up across the county. By 1909, the bountiful Door County cherry crop had gained national attention, and within 50 years, Door County was harvesting 10 percent of the nation’s cherries. The most common variety of tart cherry grown in the United States is the Montmorency tart cherry. Montmorency tart cherries are harvested each year from mid-July to early August. The cherry’s name comes from a valley in the northern suburbs of Paris, France, where tart cherries were first cultivated in the eighteenth century. Now, more than 94 percent of Montmorency tart cherries consumed in the U.S. are grown in the U.S. Prominent tart-cherry producing states include Michigan, Utah, Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In 2019, Wisconsin harvested 1,600 acres of cherry trees, resulting in 9.1 million pounds of fresh fruit. Cherry trees are harvested using modern, mechanical shakers. These shakers attach to the base of the tree and shake the trunk, causing the fruit to fall on to conveyor belts for collection. The machines work quickly, harvesting 60 to 100 trees in an hour. On average, 7,000 cherries will be harvested from each tree; that’s enough cherries to make 28 cherry pies! After harvest, the tart cherries are transported to a processing facility where they are immediately cooled with chilled water. This preserves the freshness of the fruit and helps prevent the fruit from being crushed during pitting. A five-star needle quickly punctures the center of the fruit to pit each cherry. Once processing has finished, the cherries are packaged and frozen to preserve quality. On highly efficient orchards, the process from tree to freezer can be complete in under eight hours. While Door County cherries were traditionally sold canned or as pie filling, juices and dehydrated fruit are seeing more and more of the current market share. Both cherry juice and dehydrated cherries are easy to grab on-the-go, and fit better into modern lifestyles. Though don’t get me wrong, I will always say yes to Wisconsin ice cream and a slice of old-fashioned cherry pie. Tart cherries are a great ingredient to bring an on-trend flavor to a variety of dishes and products. As consumer palates have slowly gravitated from sweet to less sweet, tart and sour flavor profiles have risen in popularity. Tart cherries are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, and can add complex flavors to a range of recipes. Include cherries in your next bowl of granola, on top of your next salad, or as part of your next salmon glaze. Learn more about the health benefits of Wisconsin cherries, the annual cherry harvest in July, or ways to utilize tart cherries in your next recipe at wisconsincherrygrowers.org.
- How Can Ginseng Work for You?
Hidden just below the soil’s surface in Marathon and surrounding counties lies an international gem. Grown for generations in the central part of the state, American ginseng roots have been cultivated in Wisconsin for more than 100 years. Each ginseng root grown in the state of Wisconsin is tended with care by farmers that have many years of experience. Nationally, and even more so internationally, ginseng grown in Wisconsin is the gold standard for high quality American ginseng. Ginseng Benefits Historically, ginseng has been grown and used as a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine to increase energy and relieve pain. Currently in the United States, there are ongoing studies to assess the impact of Wisconsin ginseng on energy levels, immune systems and other health factors. In 2012, a phase III clinical trial completed by the Mayo Clinic, evaluated the impact of Wisconsin ginseng on the fatigue levels of cancer patients. 364 patients were divided into two groups; one group received a placebo and the other received 2,000 milligrams of Wisconsin ginseng each day for two months. At the start of the study, both groups ranked their fatigue, on average, 40 out of 100. After eight weeks, the group who took Wisconsin ginseng reported a statistically-significant 20-point increase in energy levels, reported higher vitality levels and less interference with activity due to fatigue. Consuming Ginseng Ginseng can be consumed in a variety of ways. Traditionally, ginseng is sold as a whole root to be used in cooking. Once thoroughly washed, a root can be added whole or sliced to a soup similar to any Wisconsin vegetable or to hot water to make tea. Small roots can also be used in a salad to add a unique Wisconsin taste. Additionally, ginseng roots can be milled and put into capsule form. This is the most convenient form of ginseng on the market, and is perfect for a busy lifestyle. Capsules can be swallowed whole, or opened up and added to oatmeal in the morning. My suggestion for adding ginseng to your diet? Try it in a smoothie! Add a half teaspoon of ginseng powder to your next berry smoothie, and blend in completely. Powder is the most versatile form of ginseng, and can be used in numerous smoothie, soup, and tea recipes. For more ginseng recipe inspiration visit heilharvest.com/ginseng-recipes.
- A Small Root with a Big Impact
Before I ran for Alice in Dairyland, I had little idea of what ginseng was, how it was grown, or what it even looked like! Fast forward to today, after touring several ginseng operations in Wisconsin, I have discovered how important this small root is to our agriculture community. Ginseng roots require years and years of care before harvest, but have significant economic value after processing. Thanks to the diligence of our ginseng growers, Wisconsin ginseng is in demand around the world. This unique root has a big impact on our state’s economy and truly sets Wisconsin agriculture apart. Ginseng is a key ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine, and is widely used in Western cultures as a dietary supplement and botanical element. There are two varieties of ginseng grown in the world, panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) and panax ginseng (Asian ginseng). The two varieties are opposites, and can both be taken for a health balancing effect. According to the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, consumers will take American ginseng for a cooling effect and Asian ginseng for a heating effect. American Ginseng has been cultivated in Wisconsin for more than 100 years, dating back to the 1800s. Today, Wisconsin ginseng farmers account for 95 percent of the total cultivated, American ginseng produced in the United States. In addition, not only do Wisconsin ginseng farmers outrank every other state for quantity of production, but also for quality. All around the world, savvy consumers request Wisconsin-grown ginseng. This reputation for the best quality ginseng is thanks to the highly-desired, bittersweet taste of our roots. Growing ginseng requires years of diligent observation and care. Ginseng roots begin as seeds, harvested in September by hand from existing plants. These seeds then sit in a cooler throughout the fall and winter to dry out. In the spring, the seeds are warmed up and ready for planting in the summer months. Planting must be done in virgin soil, where ginseng roots have never grown. An unexplained phenomenon prevents ginseng from ever being able to grow on the same plot of land more than once. Prior to planting, raised beds are created to plant in to. The seeds are planted, and then covered with straw for insulation. The following spring, approximately 20 months after the seeds were initially harvested, the ginseng seeds will sprout. Once above ground, ginseng plants are high maintenance. They are susceptible to wind, rain, sun, and frost damage. To protect the plants from sunburn, shade structures are placed above the plants. Ginseng farmers will care for their crop for three to five years before harvesting the roots. This allows the root to grow to maturity. A finished root will have a desired wrinkly skin, a white interior, and a bitter taste. After harvest, ginseng roots are cooled for two to three weeks, washed to remove dirt and debris, and prepared for the drying process. All of the roots are dried for 12-16 days, at approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit, to remove moisture. When harvested, the roots are around 70 percent water, and almost all of this moisture is removed during the drying process. Roots are then graded, sorted and processed. Finished ginseng will be sold as roots, tea, and capsules. Ginseng can also be found as a powder, in energy drinks, and in some lotions and chapsticks. Learn more about Wisconsing ginseng products, health benefits, and where to shop for ginseng at ginsengboard.com.
- Plants, Fish, and a Few Beneficial Bacteria
Today’s farmers are continually innovating when it comes to new methods of growing and raising our food supply. Aquaponics, a process which allows producers to raise and grow both a protein and vegetable crop simultaneously, has seen an increase in popularity. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture – raising fish in water – and hydroponics – raising plants in water. Plants grown in a hydroponic or aquaponic system are not grown in a traditional method using soil. Instead, the plants receive their nutrients directly from the water they are grown in. An aquaponic system creates a symbiotic relationship between the fish, plants, and beneficial bacteria. The only input into an aquaponics system is fish food. After the fish eat their food, they will excrete waste. This waste contains ammonia, which in sufficient quantities can be toxic to both fish and plants. Beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in the water prevent the toxic environment by breaking down the ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates. The nitrate-rich water is then circulated to the plants, providing critical nutrients the plants use to grow. As the plants consume the nutrients, they help to purify and clean the water for the fish. This system forms a complete circle, as each organism helps the next, creating optimal growing environments for all. Food is grown and harvested year-round in an aquaponic system. Even in the cold Wisconsin winter months, a greenhouse maintains a consistent temperature for the plants to grow. Additionally, water is circulated 24 hours per day, resulting in continuous production of both fish and vegetables. The varieties of plants and species of fish that are able to be grown and raised in an aquaponic system vary. The deciding factor are the temperature and pH needs for each organism. The fish and plants should have similar needs, and although a compromise may need to be made, the closer they match, the more successful the system will be. Generally, warm, fresh water fish and leafy crops, such as lettuce, greens and herbs will do the best. Other examples of crops grown in Wisconsin aquaponic systems include kale, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, and broccoli. In Wisconsin, aquaponic growers raise many varieties of fish, such as tilapia, blue gills, yellow perch, and catfish. Superior Fresh, located in Hixton, even raises Atlantic salmon. Thanks to their innovations in controlled-environment agriculture, it is now possible to enjoy locally-grown, fresh salmon in the Midwest. Superior Fresh is not only an industry leader ideologically, but they also operate the largest aquaponic farm in the world. In 2019, they produced three million pounds of fresh leafy greens for consumers across our state. Wisconsin is also home to Nelson and Pade, Inc., a leading supplier of aquaponic systems, training, and support. To date, their Wisconsin-made systems have been shipped to 27 countries and nearly every US state. Their company manufactures complete aquaponic systems for home, school, research, and commercial use. Each system is designed with efficiency in mind. On average, 12-14 pounds of vegetables can be grown for every pound of fish raised, thanks to their patented filtration system. Aquaponics is on the rise across the United States, and farmers and processors in Wisconsin are certainly leading the way. Learn more about aquaponics in Wisconsin at superiorfresh.com (Superior Fresh) or aquaponics.com (Nelson and Pade). *Images courtesy of Nelson and Pade, Inc.
- Celebrating National Agriculture Week
National Agriculture Week: March 22 - March 28, 2020 National Agriculture Day: March 24, 2020 From America’s Breadbasket to America’s Dairyland, agriculture has truly shaped Wisconsin’s identity. Evidence of our agriculture roots can be seen every Sunday in the fall, as Wisconsinites turn on their television to watch the Green Bay Packers play. The name “Packers” originated thanks to original team sponsorship from the Indian Packing Company – a meat packing company located in Green Bay. Additionally, Wisconsin’s cheesemaking heritage is on display in the stands at Lambeau Field as fans proudly wear foam cheeseheads as they cheer for the Green and Gold. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, our lives are impacted every day by Wisconsin agriculture. This week, let us celebrate the passion and commitment of Wisconsin’s farmers and processors. All year long, they work to provide safe, wholesome products for our communities. Each section of our state has a specific crop or product they excel in, which allows Wisconsin to rank number one in the country for multiple crops and commodities. Not only are we excellent cheesemakers, we also rank number one in producing green beans, ginseng and cranberries. Last year alone we produced over 5.5 million barrels of cranberries totaling over 60% of the nation’s cranberry crop. In addition to our farmers, there are many supporting businesses lending a hand. As an industry, agriculture provides jobs for 435,700 people, or about one in nine people working in our state. Just as the agriculture industries in our state are diverse, so too are the jobs. Milk haulers, agriculture loan officers, equipment engineers, animal nutritionists, and crop consultants are all essential to keep Wisconsin agriculture, and our state’s economy moving forward. Annually, agriculture contributes $104.8 billion to our state’s economy – accounting for about 16 percent of Wisconsin’s total sales. Each and every day, I am proud to represent all facets of our state’s diverse agriculture industry – though I am especially looking forward to this week, as we all take the time to shine a light on our farmers and processors. This year marks the 47th anniversary of National Agriculture Week and National Agriculture Day celebrations throughout the United States. Learn more about how you can get involved with this year’s online events at agday.org.












