Governor’s office says Wisconsin reached top 10 in agricultural exports, warns tariffs could threaten growth

Sept. 23, 2026

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin has become the nation’s 10th-largest exporter of agricultural products, according to the Gov. Tony Evers administration, which says the state recorded its highest first-half export total on record in 2026.

The governor’s office said Wisconsin agricultural exports reached $2.13 billion during the first six months of 2026, a 5.42% increase from the same period a year earlier. State officials said the growth moved Wisconsin into the top 10 nationally for agricultural exports.

Wisconsin Agricultural Exports By The Numbers

In announcing the figures, Evers credited state investments in agriculture, export promotion and support programs for farmers and agricultural businesses. The governor’s office said efforts over the past eight years helped increase Wisconsin’s national ranking from 13th to 10th among agricultural exporting states.

At the same time, the Democratic governor warned that trade disputes and tariffs supported by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans could undermine those gains.

According to the governor’s office, recent tariffs and trade actions could increase costs for Wisconsin farmers, processors and consumers while creating uncertainty for businesses that rely on international markets. The administration specifically criticized trade tensions involving Canada, Wisconsin’s largest export partner, arguing that retaliatory tariffs could negatively affect the state’s agricultural economy.

“We’ve fought to support Wisconsin’s family farms and agricultural producers during my time as governor,” Evers said in a statement released by his office. He argued that tariffs and trade disputes could jeopardize progress made by Wisconsin’s agricultural sector in recent years.

The governor’s office also renewed criticism of Wisconsin’s Republican members of Congress, accusing them of failing to challenge the Trump administration’s tariff policies. Earlier this month, Evers sent letters to Republican members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation urging them to oppose new tariffs affecting trade with Canada.

State officials cited a recent report estimating that tariffs imposed since January 2025 have cost Wisconsin approximately $5.5 billion, or about $2,179 per household. The administration contends those policies have increased costs for businesses and consumers throughout the state.

The governor’s office also pointed to concerns raised by agricultural groups regarding expanded foreign beef imports. According to the administration, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association criticized the policy, arguing that it could place domestic producers at a disadvantage.

Wisconsin Agricultural Exports

First Half of Year

2025  ████████████████████  $2.02B

2026  █████████████████████ $2.13B
       +5.42%

The administration highlighted several initiatives it says have helped strengthen Wisconsin’s agricultural sector, including the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports, a program created to expand international sales of dairy, meat, crop and other agricultural products. State officials said the initiative aims to increase agricultural exports by 25%.

The governor’s office also cited recent state budget investments, including $150 million for the Agricultural Roads Improvement Program, $20 million for agricultural resilience efforts, continued funding for food security programs, support for meat and dairy processing grants, and funding for farmer mental health services and conservation programs.

Agriculture remains one of Wisconsin’s largest industries, with the governor’s office estimating its economic impact at more than $116 billion annually. Administration officials said continued investment in exports and rural infrastructure will be important to maintaining growth in the sector.

Republican lawmakers have generally defended tariffs promoted by the Trump administration as a tool for strengthening U.S. manufacturing and trade negotiations, while supporters of the policies argue they can help address trade imbalances and protect domestic industries.