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Wisconsin ag exports hit all-time high

It was a record year for agricultural exports in Wisconsin last year. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says the state sold over $2.9 billion worth of agricultural products to around 150 countries in 2012. That is a 3 percent increase in value compared to 2011 and the highest export value ever.

The best customer was Canada buying $1.45 billion from the Badger State. Mexico was our second-largest customer followed by China which had the biggest increase in purchases up 49 percent on the year. Korea and Japan round-out the top five export customers.

The most valuable agricultural export was beverages which is predominately ethanol in fact nearly all of Wisconsin’s ethanol is exported to Canada.

Miscellaneous food was the second-most valuable export. The category includes ingredients, sauces, yeasts and mustards. Dairy-related products including eggs were the third most valuable export category with cheese exports showing the biggest increase within the category. Baking-related items and preserved foods were the fourth and fifth most valuable agricultural exports.

“Wisconsin continues to increase its agricultural exports in the international marketplace, exporting agricultural products to over 149 countries in 2012,” said DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel. “Wisconsin now ranks 13th in the nation for the value of agricultural exports, up from 16th in 2011. I applaud the commitment of Wisconsin’s agricultural companies to market their high-quality products around the world.”