Agriculture

Farmers face many pressures to maintain economic viability, quality of life and a healthy environment. The Department of Natural Resources is helping farmers find ways to preserve agriculture as Wisconsin's #1 industry.

Together, farmers and the DNR are:

• developing "systems" approaches that integrate pest, soil, crop and nutrient management practices
• encouraging the farming community to educate their neighbors on the value of farms
• reducing the pressure to develop land for non-agricultural purposes
• decreasing reliance on pesticides while maintaining or enhancing financial return

The dairy industry is a big part of agriculture in Wisconsin and contributes about half of the $40 billion that agriculture brings to the state's economy every year. Maintenance of dairy infrastructure is a priority for Wisconsin. The new Dairy Gateway Project promotes profitable dairy farms and quality communities.