This study updates the 2019 analysis of agriculture’s impact on Wisconsin’s economy using 2022 data. Despite a drop in the number of farms from 64,793 in 2017 to 58,521 in 2022, the number of food processors increased from 1,160 in 2017 to 1,245 in 2021.
Together, agriculture and food processing generated $116.3 billion in 2022, making up 14.3% of the state’s total revenue, a 10.9% rise from 2017.
Agriculture, including on-farm activities and food processing, contributes significantly to the economy of Wisconsin.
On-farm activities alone generated $30.5 billion in revenue and provided 143,690 jobs.
Food processing contributed $107 billion in revenue and 298,400 jobs.
Dairy farming and processing, especially cheese production, accounted for $52.8 billion in revenue and 120,700 jobs.
