Agricultural Manufacturing
The state of Wisconsin is a major domestic and international breadbasket, specializing in dairy products, vegetables, corn for silage, potatoes, cattle, and more. Wisconsin’s agricultural production is closely supported by a strong manufacturing industry that provides technology, production infrastructure, and processing capacity, fueling a significant portion of the state’s economy. In Western Wisconsin, agricultural manufacturing exists in a wide range of forms and scales.
Major Employers by County
Location Advantages
Western Wisconsin’s fertile agricultural landscape, combined with a strong regional manufacturing base, creates a highly symbiotic relationship between the two industries. Leaders from agriculture and manufacturing, along with workforce development organizations and educational institutions, collaborate to sustain a local pipeline of high-skill, high-wage talent. As a result, agricultural manufacturing will remain a vital driver of Western Wisconsin’s economic prosperity.
Educational Opportunities
A diverse lineup of higher education institutions serves Western Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin’s UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, and UW-Barron County campuses. Private institutions in the area include Lakeland University and North Cedar Academy. As for technical colleges, Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (Northwood Technical College; WITC) are prominent institutions.
UW-River Falls notably offers a degree in Engineering Technology-Agricultural Systems Management, in which students build a strong foundation in critical areas with local applications, such as agricultural economics, machinery systems, and precision agriculture. Plus, paid internships in the thousands are available via the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES).
Similarly, CVTC offers technical diplomas in farm business & production management, teaching the ins and outs of successful farm operation. WITC teaches its students critical skills in the agricultural manufacturing sector, including crop production, farm operations, regulatory compliance, nutrition and biology, distribution, and much more.
Finally, organizations such as Manufacturing Alliance Western Wisconsin and Gold Collar Careers play an important role. By providing information, career paths, and workforce development for students and agricultural manufacturers, they keep the industry strong while spreading awareness of its needs.