Strong growth: Wisconsin agriculture exports climb 17 percent

MADISON (AP) — Agricultural exports are moving out of Wisconsin at a strong rate.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says Wisconsin farms and agribusinesses have exported nearly $2.8 billion worth or products to 138 countries so far this year. That's a 17 percent increase over the same period last year.

The state is number 12 in the country for overall agricultural exports. Wisconsin is first in exporting bovine genetics, whey, ginseng, processed sweet corn, mink fur skins and processed cranberries. Wisconsin ranks second in cheese exports.

Exports to Mexico grew 29 percent from 2013 to nearly $88 million this year. Agricultural exports to China are up 77 percent to $55 million.