Doyle Highlights State's Progress on National Agriculture Day

March 21, 2006
Wisconsin Ag Connection

Governor Jim Doyle says the Badger State has a lot to be proud of during National Agriculture Week. In statement from the governor's office on Monday, which was National Ag Day, Doyle said Wisconsin's great progress in agriculture is something that deserves a lot of recognition.

"Wisconsin has much to celebrate today thanks to the hard work, innovation and investments of our state's farmers and agri-businesses," Doyle said. "Agriculture is an important part of our past and also a critical part of our future prosperity."

He also made mention of several major accomplishments in the past several years, such as $120 million in new private investment made by Wisconsin dairy producers in 2004, last year's increase in total milk production and passage of the state's new livestock siting legislation.

But it's not just the farmers making headlines. The Dairy Business Innovation Center reports 68 new or expanded dairy plants opened or planned through 2007. And The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association says specialty cheese is now 14 percent of the cheese produced in Wisconsin and the fastest growing segment.

"Wisconsin agricultural exports increased by 16 percent in 2005 compared to the year before, moving up in national ranking to 11th place from 18th," Doyle also proclaimed on National Ag Day. "Wisconsin's agriculture industry generates $51.5 billion for the state's economy each year."

National Ag Day is always held on the first day of spring.