With its robust capacity for agriculture, food & beverage production, the Madison Region is often referred to as the breadbasket of the world.
The Madison Region boasts some of the richest agricultural soils in the world, and the largest agriculture employment bases in the state with nearly 60,000 jobs directly related to agriculture, comprising 20% of Wisconsin’s total agricultural employment. Our industry infrastructure supports not only food & beverage production, but also processing, packaging, and distribution. Several food-related incubators throughout the region support a growing cadre of local entrepreneurs, while established companies thrive thanks to our strong industry assets. Renowned for key products like milk, cheese, and beer, the Madison Region’s agricultural sector will continue to build on existing strengths as well as a tradition of innovation that secures our ongoing competitiveness. Learn more.
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Kerry Foods
Hormel Foods
Del Monte
Seneca Foods Corporation
McCain Foods
Colony Brands
Associated Milk Producers
Frito-Lay
SUB-SECTOR STRENGTHS
Dairy Product Manufacturing
Animal Food Manufacturing
Fruit & Vegetable Preserving and Specialty Food Manufacturing
Animal Processing
ESTABLISHMENTS
417 establishments
EMPLOYMENT
60,000 employees
EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
5.1% industry growth from 2010-2015
WAGES
$34,080 average annual wage
DEGREES CONFERRED
2,975 industry-applicable degrees and certificates conferred in 2014-2015
from higher education institutions in and around the Madison Region
LOCATION QUOTIENTS
Employment | 2.08
Establishment | 1.48
Source: Emsi 2016.2; Employment figures based on UW-Extension County Impact Reports
