The Office of the Governor of the State of Wisconsin

10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 11:48

ICYMI: Gov. Evers Celebrates Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Fall Season, Highlights Agricultural and Tourism Industries Across the State

Press Release: ICYMI: Gov. Evers Celebrates Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Fall Season, Highlights Agricultural and Tourism Industries Across the State

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 10/07/2024 11:07 AM CDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
ICYMI: Gov. Evers Celebrates Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Fall Season, Highlights Agricultural and Tourism Industries Across the State
MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers lastweek visited communities across the state to celebrate Wisconsin's fallagricultural tourism season and the industry's role as a key economic driver for tourism, farm families, and communities in Wisconsin.Gov. Evers proclaimed Sept. 19 through Oct. 31, 2024, as Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Fall Season. A copy of the governor's proclamation is available here.

"Our agricultural and tourism economies area proud part of our state's heritage and tradition, and I've been excited to travel across Wisconsin highlightinghow these two critical industries come together and connect the dots during the fall agricultural tourism season," said Gov. Evers. "Agricultural tourism is a celebration of so muchWisconsin has to offer-from corn mazes and pumpkin patches to apple picking, harvest festivals, and everything in between-while helping support local communities, businesses, workers, and familiesin every corner of the state."

On Mon., Sept. 30, Gov. Everskicked off the week, joined by Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers, with a visit toLake Nokomis Cranberriesin Eagle River. While there, the governor and secretary met with owner Dave Zawitowskiand his family and took atour oftheir winery and gift shop. Dave highlighted how their business shifted to incorporate tourism aspects such as the cranberry bog bus tours and their annual Cranberry Feston the farm. Afterward, they went on one of their infamous cranberry bog bus tours and heard about the fall harvest season. Photos of the visit are availablehere and here.

To continue the day, the governor and secretary visited Sabamba Alpaca Ranchand Bed andBreakfastin De Pere. During the visit, the governor and secretary were led by the owners, Tomand Sally Schmidt, on a tour of the farm. The governor was able to meet newborn alpacas andwent on a walk with an older alpaca named Scooby Doo. To conclude the visit, the governor and secretary visited the gift shop stocked with alpaca products. Photos of the visit are available here and here.

Finally, the governor and secretary visited Swan's Pumpkin Farm in Franksville. While there, the governor and secretary were led by theowners, Kenand Jolynn Swan, on a tour of the farm, where theysaw their pumpkin patch, corn maze, and petting zoo. To finish off the tour, the governorwas able to assistin the farm bakery, making both apple cider doughnuts and caramel appleswith staff at the farm. Photos of the visit are available here and here.

On Tues., Oct. 1, Gov. Evers, joined by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski,attended the World Dairy Expoin Madison.The governor and secretary were able to meet some of the many attendees, including an international delegation from Indonesia,the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, U.S.Dairy Export Council staff, FFAState Officers, and AgriculturalYouth Council alumni. Afterward, the governor and secretary were able to walk through the barns and trade show. A photo of the visit is available here.

Afterward, the governorwent on to visit FootjoyFarm and Brewery in Cashton, where he wasjoined by State Sen.Brad Pfaff(D-Onalaska)andStateRep.Jill Billings(D-La Crosse)and greeted by owner Chad Forsberg and staff.To start the visit, the governor was led on a tour of thebrewery. Afterward, the governorand Chad madeand enjoyeda brie, apple, bacon, and mushroom pizza inthe restaurant kitchen with ingredients sourced from the farm and local area. Photos of the visit areavailable here and here.

Finally, to conclude theday, Gov. Evers visited Stoney Acres Pizza Farm in Athens.While there, the governor met with owner Tony Schultz and took a tour of the property, highlighting their Certified Organic operation, as well as the seasonal vegetables they use for their farm pizza nights.Afterward, the governorand Tony madea wood-fired pizzawith ingredients from the farm and wereable to enjoy it in thefarm's beer hall. Photos of the visit areavailable here and here.

On Thurs., Oct. 3, to conclude his Agricultural Tourism visits, Gov. Evers visitedNew Life Lavender Farm in Baraboo.The governor, joined byState Rep.Dave Considine(D-Baraboo), and members of the Baraboo Area Chamber ofCommerce, weregreeted by farm co-owners Laura and AronMcReynolds.The governor was then taken on a hayride through the lavender fields and had the opportunity to harvest a bouquet. To end his tour of the farm, the governor, as well as otherson the visit,enjoyed a scoop of their lavender ice cream made on the farm. Photos of the visit areavailable here and here.

Home to more than 58,000 farms on 13.8 million acres of land, Wisconsin's agricultural industry is a critical componentof the state's overall economic success, providing 435,700 jobs-nearly 12 percentof the state's total workforce-and generating $104.8 billion annually to the statewide economy. Especially during the fall season, Wisconsin's agricultural industry also generates millions of dollars for the state's tourism industry by offering visitors outdoor, family-friendly, and experiential farm-based entertainment such as farm-to-table events, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, farm stays, and more.

In 2023, Wisconsin's tourism industry had a record-breaking year, generating $25 billion in total economic impactand surpassing the previousrecord year of $23.7 billion set in 2022. Additionally, the travel and tourism industry supported more than 178,000 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Gov. Evers has made investing in Wisconsin's agricultural and tourism industriescornerstone efforts of his administration, and throughout his visits during the week, he celebratedhow agricultural tourism not only encourages Wisconsinites and out-of-state visitors to explore and celebrate all Wisconsin has to offer but also the industry's role as a vital component to the economic health of local communities, businesses, and workers in every corner of the state.
An online version of this release is available here.
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Office of the Governor • 115 East Capitol, Madison, WI 53702
Press Office Email: [email protected]
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