There was a move a few years ago to change the motto on Wisconsin’s vehicle license plates from “America’s Dairyland” to something more general — perhaps having to do with tourism or something of a more general nature.
That notion was set aside in good part because of the backlash from people who truly know, believe and understand that Wisconsin remains as America’s Dairyland — a truth that remains despite a state we’ll leave unmentioned in this space having overtaken our state in overall milk production.
People around the globe don’t think about that other state when they talk about dairy farms, milk production and the manufacturing of dairy foods. Wisconsin is the land of cheese; the place synonymous with the dairy industry.
The dairy industry had, in many ways, been going about its business somewhat quietly during recent years. The occasional news about changes in the industry, in herd sizes, about whether raw milk should be consumed, and pricing issues might have called some attention to dairy issues. But that all changed a couple weeks ago when the first valves were opened and milk started being dumped because of crashing markets resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus matters such as school and restaurant closures suddenly left dairy-product manufacturers without product orders — those issues and other compounding matters resulting in letters left in dairy farmers’ mailboxes to state the possibilities that milk would have to be dumped on farms or that farmers might even be asked to exit the dairy industry.
People across Wisconsin would be having none of that thinking. This is, and will remain, America’s Dairyland.
Community groups, FFA chapters, FFA Alumni chapters, milk haulers and even dairy farmers themselves have stepped forward in big ways across the state to purchase and donate dairy products to those who are struggling with food-purchases while stay-at-home directives are in place. And, some manufacturers have stepped forward with donations to keep their farmers’ milk flowing — an example being Grassland Dairy’s ongoing donation of more than 10,000 pounds (and counting) of its butter to food pantries.
Dairy farmers, along with farmers of all commodities, and the entire agricultural industry is struggling mightily with so many other businesses and industries as society waits out such a deadly force as coronavirus. But the public’s reaction is a shining beacon during these darkened hours.
We raise a glass of milk as a toast to those who so recognize and step forward to keep Wisconsin working as America’s Dairyland.
Cheers to dairy farmers, the entire dairy industry and all who are going above and beyond to support them.
Cheers to America’s Dairyland.
And, of course, On, Wisconsin!”
— Scott Schultz
Leave a Reply