Cow’s Milk

Wisconsin is home to more than 12,000 dairy farms and 1.26 million dairy cows. The state ranks first in the number of organic and grass-based dairy farms and leads the nation in the number of on-farm bio-energy technology installations, converting animal waste to green energy.

During the past several years, as cheese production has increased, so too, has milk production. Wisconsin’s 2009 milk production increased by 3 percent, cresting to 25.2 billion pounds, a new record. Statewide, milk per cow averaged 20,079 pounds, 533 pounds more than a year earlier. In 2009, Wisconsin accounted for 13 percent of the nation’s production.

Since 2004, the overall Value Added Dairy Initiative has led a cohesive team of Wisconsin interagency members to coordinate and focus resources for dairy farmers to modernize their businesses and for dairy processes to streamline the supply chain. In the past five years, the team has administered $3.28 million in grants to 321 dairy farmers, processors and local dairy groups. This assistance has been a vital catalyst for reinvestment and innovation in the dairy sector.

Educational Materials

Wisconsin Dairy Management Teams Now Available

Links

Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

For more information on Wisconsin’s dairy cow industry, visit the Dairy Cow page on the Wisconsin Dairy Artisan website.