Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are driving growth both at home and abroad, according to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Member Ali Straschinske, who represents Eau Claire and Chippewa counties. She says checkoff investments are helping farmers reach new audiences, build trust, and strengthen markets for the future.
“It’s a great story to tell,” Straschinske says. “About 90 percent of the milk we produce in Wisconsin is made into cheese. And 90 percent of that cheese is sold outside our state. That means Wisconsin dairy farmers are feeding families and fueling markets far beyond our borders.”
Through the checkoff-funded “M.I.L.K.” initiative, which stands for Marketing, International, Local, and Keys to the Future, DFW reports record reach and engagement. WisconsinCheese.com now ranks first on Google for “cheese,” while marketing efforts generated more than $70 million in media coverage.
Internationally, Wisconsin cheese is now enjoyed in over 50 countries, thanks to partnerships with trade groups and buyer missions connecting global markets to Wisconsin producers. Locally, programs like the Dairy Escape Room and Adopt a Cow are helping students learn where their food comes from.
“I just want to say thank you,” Straschinske says. “Every checkoff dollar is working hard to grow markets, build trust, and keep Wisconsin dairy strong for generations to come.”
More details can be found in the DFW 2025 Annual Report: wisconsindairy.org/annualreport
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