MADISON, WIS. — An agricultural report revealed the dairy industry contributes $52.8 billion to the state of Wisconsin’s economy, with dairy processing accounting for roughly two-thirds of that business.

Data compiled by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics for the report showed that Wisconsin dairy business – dominated by cheese production – improved by 16% between 2017 and 2022.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin shared details from the report, highlighting that dairy generates close to half (45.4%) of the state’s industrial agriculture revenue and makes up 6.5% of the state's total economy.

"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,” Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin chief executive officer Chad Vincent said.

The report identified dairy as an economic cluster that impacts both rural and urban communities through its infrastructure. Data showed that dairy processing companies in Wisconsin grew by 49.4% between 2001 and 2022, from 162 to 242.

As a whole, the state’s dairy industry supports 120,700 jobs, and research found every dollar generated by the dairy sector contributes an additional $0.93 in revenue for the state.

Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Randy Romanski said the state is proud to be known as America’s Dairyland.

"This report further confirms the impact of our dairy industry on our state's economy,” Romanski said. “The hard work of Wisconsin's dairy farmers, haulers and processors contributes to the impressive economic impact of our dairy industry."