About Us

For more than 100 years, the words, "America’s Dairyland" have been Wisconsin’s claim to fame.  It is a title that Wisconsin takes seriously, and perhaps more importantly, does not take for granted.  In the past five years, the Dairy Business Innovation Center (DBIC), along with its partners through the Value Added Dairy Initiative, has worked hard to assist dairy producers and processors to innovate and grow the state’s $26.5 billion yearly dairy industry.

Since its start in 2004, the DBIC has assisted 189 clients – groups and individuals who have requested technical services – resulting in 65 new specialty dairy products launched to market.  In addition, during that same period, 43 new processing plants have opened and 70 more have expanded operations.  Specialty cheese production has increased significantly since 2004 and today, 92 of the state’s 126 cheese plants craft at least one type of specialty cheese, up from 77 plants just four years ago.

These remarkable changes in America’s Dairyland reflect the fortitude of the state’s dairy industry.  During the past five years, dairy processors and dairy producers in Wisconsin have reinvested nearly $1 billion to modernize their processing operations and dairy farms.  Projections for the next five years – through continued assistance from the State of Wisconsin investment tax credits, organizations such as the DBIC, and through private equity – forecast an additional $1 billion in planned reinvestments.

Despite a lagging economy, dairy producers continue to hold their own, producing more milk for the state’s dairy plants, promoting increased production, modernization and efficiency.  Milk production has been on a steady increase since 2004, cresting to 25.2 billion pounds in 2009 - a new record.

In short, Wisconsin’s heritage and future are directly linked to dairy.  With 12,000 family-owned dairy farms, 1.26 million dairy cows, 1,214 cheesemakers and 211 dairy plants, the state’s dairy industry continues to serve as the state’s economic backbone.  State and national leaders cannot afford to NOT invest in the state’s dairy industry.

The Dairy Business Innovation Center has proven itself to be a successful catalyst in helping Wisconsin’s dairy industry grow and prosper.  Past accomplishments do not guarantee future success, however, and the DBIC now requests continued industry support in ensuring the next five years are as successful as the last five years.  Dairy producers and processors will continue to be in need of technical services, and the DBIC is well positioned to deliver.