Status of agriculture in Wisconsin? Depends

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Wisconsin agriculture

Talk about it

The status of agriculture in Wisconsin in 2011 could be dependent on whether or not you’re an optimist or a pessimist.

Both viewpoints had plenty of rationale following Wednesday’s economic outlook forum held in Madison, which was webcast throughout the state, including at Ellsworth.

First, the optimist side, as explained by Greg Andrews, Pierce County Agriculture Agent, who hosted the forum locally:

--In 2010, the agriculture industry was one of the few industries, local, state or national, which had an increase in job growth. Andrews backed up the point, stating he’s been in recent contact with four families in the county who are interested in dairying. “The transition is occurring among dairy farmers from mom and dad to their children,” he said, noting the median age for dairy farmers is the mid-to-late ‘50s.

--Farmers are getting near-record high prices for dairy and beef. Andrews said the demand around the world for those products is strong in such countries as China, India, Pakistan and Russia. “It all boils down to the global value of the dollar,” Andrews said. Because the value of the U.S. dollar is low, it translates into better export trade.

For more please read the Jan. 26 print version of the Herald.

Tags: agriculture, news