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One of the enduring aspects of life here in southern Wisconsin is the tradition of dairy
farming and cheese making. So it is no surprise that the Green County Cheese Days
event is such a fun, rewarding experience. Whether sampling cheese, learning how to
polka and yodel, or just watching the parade; the festival is always a great way to
spend time with friends and neighbors.

The three-day celebration began back in 1914 as a small community festival. Ninety-
two years later, it has grown into an iconic event attracting people from all over the
state and beyond. People come to Cheese Days for the great food, the many activities,
and because of what it represents. The festival is a celebration of our heritage and way
of life that serves as an important reminder of dairy farming’s deep roots in Green
County.

Before the arrival of modern technology, many of our ancestors worked the land and
laid the foundation for our dairy industry. These pioneers not only built our
communities, but they also created a rich culture that we continue to celebrate each
time we gather for Cheese Days.

Indeed, the legacy of these early farmers remains strong. Today there are over 400
dairy farms and 13 cheese factories in Green County. According to the University of
Wisconsin-Extension, these farms and factories employ over 2,000 people and
contribute almost $450 million to the county’s economy every year.

Green County’s record of dairy farming excellence has set the example for the rest of
the state. Bolstered by Green County’s cheese plants, Wisconsin remains the number
one cheese producing state in the country. Likewise, the dairy industry continues to
dominate Wisconsin’s economy. In fact, according to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing
Board, the dairy industry adds $20.6 billion to the state’s economy annually. Wisconsin
truly is America’s dairyland.

Part of what makes Wisconsin so special is the continuing tradition of the family farm.
According to The Milk Marketing Board, 99 percent of Wisconsin’s dairy farms are
owned and operated by families. As your State Representative, I am working hard to
ensure that careers in the dairy industry and agriculture in general remain a viable
option for our future generations.

To conclude this week, I would like to present a Wisconsin trivia question that highlights
an interesting aspect of our great state. In the spirit of Cheese Days, this week’s
question is:

How many pounds of cheese are produced each year in Wisconsin?

Make sure to check next week’s column to find the answer to the question.

I want to hear from you so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know
if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling 888-534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.
Davis@legis.state.wi.us or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison,
WI 53708.