Wisconsin Governor champions dairy

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced to those attending the ninth annual Dairy Business Association (DBA) meeting in Madison, Wis., that the state's agriculture exports stood at $1.5 billion for the first nine months of 2008. That's a 7 percent jump. Of that total, dairy exports grew by 39 percent, up from $126 million in the first nine months of 2007 to $176 million in the first nine months of 2008. Exports were driven by a healthy demand for cheese and butter. Cheese exports set a record value of $75 million for the first nine months of 2008, a robust 47 percent gain. Governor Doyle also noted that 34 dairy plants have opened in the state since 2004, and 54 existing plants have undergone expansion during the same time.

"Dairy is one of the fastest-growing parts of our state's economy," reported Govenor Doyle. He reported to producer members of DBA who have been responsible for the state's expanded milk production. The state will no doubt count on the thriving dairy industry for growth as the state begins tackling the projected $5.4-billion budget deficit.

Doyle, a Democrat, was one of the first governors to support President-elect Obama. Some have speculated that Doyle may be heading to Washington. He ended that speculation when he told DBA members, "I am going to be here," when asked if they could book him for next year's meeting.