The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced the results of its 2024 Dairy Producer Survey. The survey found that 99% of respondent dairy farms identify as being family owned, and 81% expect to still be dairy farming in five years. Other top-line findings indicate that respondents prioritize conservation practices and provide jobs that boost the state’s economy.
The 2024 survey results are published on DATCP’s Dairy Development webpage, along with the results of previous editions. The survey was sent to more than 5,400 bovine milk producer license holders across Wisconsin. In total, 1,611 responses were received, equivalent to a 30% response rate. The survey asked 34 questions on topics including marketing, conservation practices, business structure, labor, and succession planning.
Trends from the 2024 results show that:
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Respondents operate family-owned farms, and many plan to continue this tradition;
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Respondents prioritize sustainability, conservation, and land stewardship;
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Respondents prioritize working with professionals;
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Respondents provide jobs for Wisconsin’s economy; and
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Respondents are planning for their future.
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The survey’s most frequently-identified challenges to operating a dairy farm and to the state’s dairy industry were:
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Regulation;
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Balancing milk supply and demand;
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Aging facilities;
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Day-to-day expenses; and
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Inability to find labor.
