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Wisconsin export report: dairy leads gains as overall ag exports tick up
Summary
Speakers reported year-to-date export figures through September 2024 showing modest growth driven by dairy and diversified markets; ethanol and some meat cuts lagged, and council members were asked to prepare USMCA priorities for March.
Mark (the meeting host) opened the Wisconsin Agricultural Export Advisory Council webinar and presented year-to-date export figures through September 2024, saying Wisconsin’s export portfolio is holding modest gains and that a full-year 2024 report will be available at the March council meeting. The data come from U.S. Census trade statistics compiled by council staff.
Deputy Secretary Eileen Switzer (Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) told the council the WIAE program remains “important in guiding the initiatives created through the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports.” She also noted the state’s push to expand food, fiber and feed exports. “This council continues to be important,” Switzer said.
Presenters said dairy is among the strongest-performing categories, with cheese, curd and whey singled out as top contributors. Other product groups cited as strong performers included certain wood products, prepared meats and aromatics. By contrast, ethanol exports to Canada and some meat cuts to markets such as Japan and Korea were identified as weaker elements within the overall crop and meat categories.
Speakers emphasized the value of market diversification: the “all others” category (countries outside the top-five markets) helped to lift crop-product totals and offset declines in some top markets. Switzer told members that exports of food, forestry and agricultural products to Canada and Mexico together totaled about $1,950,000,000 in 2023, roughly half of Wisconsin’s ag exports.
Council presenters also pointed to promotional and inbound/outbound mission activity — trade-show participation and buyer missions — as key to the gains in dairy and several specialty crops. Members were reminded that final 2024 year-end export numbers will be presented at the March council meeting.
The council concluded this agenda item by inviting members to flag specific markets or products for deeper review at the March meeting.
