One positive side of 2020 was the fact that Wisconsin only lost 360 dairy farms for the entire year. That may seem like a large enough number, but it’s good news compared to earlier years. For example, in 2019 the state lost 818 herds, and in 2018 we said goodbye to 691 dairy farms. In total for the beginning of 2021, Wisconsin has 6,932 licensed dairy farms.
Looking at the numbers in each county, Clark County had the most dairies coming in with 714, while Marathon County was in second place with 421. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Forest, Florence, and Oneida Counties had zero dairy farms registered this year.
Here is a look at total licensed dairy herds in the state over the past decade according to Wisconsin Ag Connection.
- 2021: 6,932
- 2020: 7,292
- 2019: 8,110
- 2018: 8,801
- 2017: 9,304
- 2016: 9,695
- 2015: 10,081
- 2014: 10,541
- 2013: 11,155
- 2012: 11,761
- 2011: 12,467
