Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, proclaims September 20, 2019 as WISCONSIN AGRICULTURAL TOURISM DAY. To commemorate this day, an event at Schuster’s Farm, 1326 US-12, in Deerfield is set for 9 am on Friday, September 20th with a tour of the farm and then at 10 am a reading of the proclamation by Secretary-Designee Brad Pfaff.
On Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Day, we acknowledge the immeasurable value farmers, ranchers, growers, producers, and foresters contribute to Wisconsin’s economy. Wisconsin’s agricultural tourism families and communities lead the State in providing education, entertainment, food, feed, fuel, and fiber to consumers. Today, we pay tribute to the men and women who expand opportunities for prosperity, economic development, and food security by cultivating the land across our State.
Wisconsin agricultural strengthens our economy. Valued at more than $88.3 billion annually. The state is home to 64,793 farms on 14.3 million acres. The average farm size is 221 acres. Annually, 413,500 jobs or 11.9% of state employment is involved in agriculture.
Accordingly, last year, Wisconsin tourism reached $21.6 billion. Brining 112 million visitors to the State. Tourism in Wisconsin generated $1.6 billion in state and local taxes and $1.2 billion in Federal taxes. Agricultural tourism businesses added a 5.5% grown in 4th quarter visitor tourism spending with consumers visiting farm-based entertainment activities such as farm to table events, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, wine tastings, harvest festivals, craft breweries, distilleries and farm weddings.
We must continue to streamline our regulatory environment so that agricultural tourism and innovation can flourish and help our farmers, ranchers, and foresters meet the world’s growing demand for agritainment, ag-education, food, feed, fuel and fiber.
The Wisconsin farm embodies the timeless virtues of our Nation: hard work, self-reliance, and dedication to family. On this Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Day, we express our gratitude to those who entertain, educate, feed and clothe us, fuel our economy, and inspire us with their determination and perseverance.
To find Agricultural Tourism opportunities and events in your area visit www.wiagtourism.com.
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