Dairy farming is at the center of this activity. In 1999, more than 3,000 dairy farms in the region milked 218,000 cows. That's one Bessie for every four people living here. Together, these girls produce enough milk to fill Lake Wingra every 3.3 years.
Opportunity
The global economy is changing. With the rising price of petroleum, public and private sectors have begun to invest heavily in what many are calling the emerging bio-economy.
Ethanol has been at the forefront of this development. In 2000 there wasn't a single plant in the state of Wisconsin. At the end of 2007, annual capacity was expected to reach 521 million gallons, with nearly two thirds of that production coming from five plants are in Columbia, Green Jefferson and Rock Counties.
Meanwhile, university researchers, major companies and entrepreneurs are developing alternative fuels, energy and materials derived from agriculture. Sanimax in DeForest is converting ag-based oil and grease products into biodiesel. Teel Plastics in Baraboo is developing composite siding for homes from wood waste and agricultural fibers. And then there's the $125 million federal grant that the UW-Madison received to develop cellulosic ethanol.
Ethanol has been at the forefront of this development. In 2000 there wasn't a single plant in the state of Wisconsin. At the end of 2007, annual capacity was expected to reach 521 million gallons, with nearly two thirds of that production coming from five plants are in Columbia, Green Jefferson and Rock Counties.
Meanwhile, university researchers, major companies and entrepreneurs are developing alternative fuels, energy and materials derived from agriculture. Sanimax in DeForest is converting ag-based oil and grease products into biodiesel. Teel Plastics in Baraboo is developing composite siding for homes from wood waste and agricultural fibers. And then there's the $125 million federal grant that the UW-Madison received to develop cellulosic ethanol.
Innovation
The convergence of high gas prices and trend-setting consumers is giving rise to another development: local and regional food systems. Several major distributors in southern Wisconsin are actively looking to reduce their transportation costs and satisfy a growing segment of customers who want to "eat local." Farmers and other entrepreneurs are stepping up to respond.
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Testimonial
"Our farms are where technology and science and good old-fashioned hard work meet and thrive. We've got everything we need here."
--Donnie Statz, Co-Owner and Operator, Statz Brothers Dairy Farm
--Donnie Statz, Co-Owner and Operator, Statz Brothers Dairy Farm
Contact
Be a part of growing the agriculture sector. Contact:
Greg Lawless, Director of Agriculture Initiatives
608.443.1966
Email Greg
Greg Lawless, Director of Agriculture Initiatives
608.443.1966
Email Greg
In collaboration and agreement with agriculture sector leaders, Thrive established the definition below for the agriculture sector:
Flood Resources & Aid
To assist farmers, the UW Cooperative Extension faculty and staff have provided information on resources to deal with flooding, damage to crops and general disaster assistance.
University of Wisconsin Extension
The Family Farm Disaster Fund was established by Farm Aid to help farm families survive weather-related disasters. Right now they are working with farmers across the country who have been hurt by devastating flooding and severe weather in Iowa, Wisconsin and seven other mid-western states.
Farm Aid Disaster Relief Fund
University of Wisconsin Extension
The Family Farm Disaster Fund was established by Farm Aid to help farm families survive weather-related disasters. Right now they are working with farmers across the country who have been hurt by devastating flooding and severe weather in Iowa, Wisconsin and seven other mid-western states.
Farm Aid Disaster Relief Fund
New!
The Dairy Manufacturing Facility Investment Credit is a refundable credit for businesses that have invested to modernize or expand dairy manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin.
New!
Governor Jim Doyle recently announced his "Next Generation Agriculture" Plan --a strategic investment to prepare Wisconsin farms for the future. These new initiatives totaling more than $33 million will move the dairy and agriculture industry forward by providing more resources to modernize and innovate, capture new markets, and seize new green opportunities.
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