2012 Was Record Year for Wis. Ag Exports | Business

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State officials say Wisconsin exported a record amount of agricultural products in 2012.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says about $2.9 billion worth of agricultural goods were exported last year — a 3 percent increase over 2011.

The state's best markets for agricultural products are Canada, Mexico, China, Korea and Japan. Canada is the top destination, importing $1.4 billion of products from Wisconsin.

The market showing the biggest growth in 2012 was China with a 49% increase in Wisconsin agricultural imports. The top exports to China last year were hides and skins, animal feed and dairy-related products.

The most valuable agricultural export for Wisconsin in 2012 was beverages, which is primarily ethanol, at $400 million. The state ranks second in the nation in exporting ethanol, just behind Texas.

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