A huge thank you to everyone who took time to participate in the Pierce County Dairy Breakfast on June 14 at the Peterson Farm! It was a great morning where nearly 100 volunteers fed nearly 2,400 people. We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with our neighbors and community members while showcasing so many highlights from modern dairy farming.

June was National Dairy Month — and in Wisconsin, that’s more than just a celebration. It’s a tribute to the backbone of our rural economy, the spirit of our communities, and the stewardship of our natural resources.

Known proudly as America’s Dairyland, Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in dairy innovation, quality, and resilience (not to mention cheese production!) Dairy isn’t just a tradition in Wisconsin — it’s a major economic engine. The dairy industry contributes an estimated $53.5 billion annually to the state’s economy, supporting over 170,000 jobs directly and indirectly. From world-class cheese factories to family-run creameries, dairy touches every corner of the state.

We see the benefits of the dairy industry locally as well. Fourteen percent of our estimated $405 million annual income here in Pierce County is linked to some facet of agriculture. Nearly one-fifth of jobs and a sixth of all tax receipts resulting in local commerce and human capital can be traced to the dairy industry and agriculture here in our county. Our dairy farmers support local feed stores, veterinary clinics, banks, equipment suppliers, and more. But the contribution goes deeper than dollars. Farmers serve on school boards, coach youth sports, volunteer in community organizations and donate to local initiatives. In addition, members of Pierce County 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters and Pierce County UW-Extension are valuable assets not only to our breakfast as volunteers, but also as future leaders in agriculture.

Generations of families continue the dairy tradition not just for a livelihood, but for a way of life that values hard work, integrity, and connection to the land. In an era of rapid change, Wisconsin’s dairy farms are stabilizing forces that keep rural communities vibrant and viable by providing jobs and supporting so many of our rural families.

Our dairy farmers are stewards of the environment, leading efforts in sustainability and conservation. Through nutrient management plans, cover cropping, contour farming, precision agriculture and best management practices, they are reducing runoff, improving soil health, and helping protect water quality.

As we wrap up our celebration of Dairy Month, we honor the people behind the product — the early risers, the innovators, the caretakers of animals and land. Our dairy farmers produce more than milk; they produce community, resilience, and progress. Happy Dairy Month, Pierce County, and thank you for supporting us! We especially want to thank the supporters of our dairy promotion efforts:

Compeer Financial, Culver's, Ellsworth Creamery, Kwik Trip, Nathan Christensen - Vanguard Renewables, Ag Partners, Alcivia, Brandvale Dairy Farm, Breeze Dairy Group, Burnett Dairy Cooperative, Eau Galle Cheese, Fetzer Farms, Jil-Ro-Sie Holsteins, Patrick Rohl, Plummer Concrete, RFS Ag LLC, S&S Sugarbush, Tractor Central, Alltech, AMPI, Bill's IBA, Cargill, CCF Bank, Chippewa Valley Energy, Edgar Seed – Pioneer, JM Watkins Meats, LoRan Rolling Acres, Minnesota Ag Group, Northern Lakes Vet Supply, Pierce County Farm Bureau, Red Wing Grain, Rural Mutual Insurance, Security Financial Bank, Sign Results, Conagra - Swiss Miss, Wieser Concrete AgSource, Anderson's IBA, AvidXchange Inc., Bag Man LLC, Bergseng Family Farms, Cedar Hills Greenhouse, Cernohous Chevrolet, Deja Vu Trucking & Excavating, Genex - Bill Casey, Hoof & Paw, Keehr Funeral Home, Komro Sales and Service, Martin’s Sound System, Matthew Boyle, Ptacek’s Grocery Store, Pierce County Vet Clinic, Pierce Pepin Cooperative, RJ Golf Carts, Schroeder Ag Service - Beck's Hybrids, Wabasha Sand, Gravel & Ready Mix Black's Valley Ag Supply, Hartung Livestock Trucking, Yanish Accounting & Tax Services

Submitted by Pierce County Dairy Promotion Committee