Series: Wisconsin Ag And Global Trade

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Wisconsin economy, and farmers across the state rely on international markets for customers. The commodities exported around the world include some of Wisconsin's most common agricultural products, including cheese and soybeans, as well as a host of specialized products that have come to symbolize the state's bounty, such as ginseng and cranberries. In the early 21st century, Wisconsin's largest agricultural export destination by far has been Canada, followed by Mexico, China and other nations. Farmers who rely on exports face uncertainties driven by fluctuating international demand, variable commodities markets and shifts in global politics, including an escalating series of tariffs levied between the United States and some of its closest trading partners. These changing conditions have impacts that ripple across the state’s broader agricultural economy.
 
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As the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts a slight decline in farm income in 2020, Wisconsin agriculture experts continue to worry about the financial resilience of the state's farms.
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Port Milwaukee is planning a new $31 million building along the western shore of Lake Michigan that will produce and export various agricultural products worldwide.
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Wisconsin dairy farmers and other producers are feeling the impact of trade uncertainty caused by the novel coronavirus outbreak.
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Personal income grew in Wisconsin in 2019, due in part to federal aid for farmers hurt by increased tariffs.
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Ongoing trade disputes with China are impacting many Wisconsin businesses, including ginseng producers. Wausau area farm owner Will Hsu describes how these farmers are navigating the turmoil in the export market.
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Facing low commodity prices, trade uncertainties and challenging weather, Wisconsin's farmers are struggling on multiple fronts. U.S. and state agriculture secretaries Sonny Perdue and Brad Pfaff share their perspectives on the state of small dairy farms and the industry as a whole.
The ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China continues to raise concerns among Wisconsin farmers. Wisconsin Farmers Union president Darin Von Ruden discusses how farmers navigate low commodity prices on top of this trade uncertainty.
Wisconsin producers are seeing the effects of the trade wars.
As trade disputes affect agricultural exports, particularly dairy products, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation president Jim Holte discusses a proposed federal aid package for farmers.
Commodity prices, tariffs and the global market for agricultural products are weighing on Wisconsin farms. Kevin Bernhardt, a professor of agribusiness at UW-Platteville, discusses future prospects for farmers in the state.