GCDC Completes DATCP Dairy Analysis Grant, Strengthening Green County’s Dairy Future

by | Jun 4, 2026 | News

The Green County Development Corporation (GCDC) has successfully completed a $60,000 grant awarded through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), delivering both a comprehensive economic study and direct planning assistance to local dairy farms.

A Deeper Look at the Industry

In partnership with UW-Extension, GCDC commissioned the Green County Dairy Cluster Economic Analysis & Action Plan — a thorough examination of the dairy industry’s current state and long-term outlook in Green County. The study combined interviews with 13 stakeholders across the dairy cluster — including farmers, processors, bankers, and researchers — with robust quantitative data analysis.

The findings underscore just how vital dairy is to the local economy. Dairy farms and processing operations together support 3,448 jobs and generate over $2.1 billion in industry revenues, accounting for more than 35% of the county’s total economic output. Green County’s cheese manufacturing sector holds a location quotient of 9.68 — nearly ten times the national concentration — reflecting a true regional competitive advantage.

The study also identified key challenges ahead, including an aging workforce, succession planning gaps, and the need for greater  entrepreneurship and market diversification. The resulting action plan lays out six strategies to address these issues: supporting farmers, strengthening marketing and market opportunities, expanding workforce development, fostering industry networking, managing biowaste, and encouraging entrepreneurship and business diversification.

Direct Support for Local Farms

Beyond the research, $40,000 of the grant was put directly to work. Eight local dairy farms each received $5,000 in grant funding to access professional consulting services for succession planning, business continuity, financial modeling, and long-term operational strategy — exactly the kind of individualized, expert guidance that can make the difference between a farm that thrives across generations and one that doesn’t make it to the next.
The impact was felt immediately by participating producers.
“The Dairy Transition and Planning Grant helped our farm get the planning assistance we needed to set up the next generation for success, and
continue our tradition of dairy farming in Green County.”
— Jordan Reimer, Reimer Farms

Looking Ahead

This grant initiative is part of GCDC’s broader commitment to keeping Green County’s dairy industry strong and competitive for decades to come.
“The long-term strength of Green County’s dairy industry depends on proactive planning. This program is designed to give producers the tools
and expertise they need to navigate transitions, reduce risk, and remain competitive for generations to come.”
— Olivia Otte, Executive Director, GCDC
With the analysis complete and planning assistance delivered, GCDC is now positioned to move forward on the action plan’s broader strategies — from establishing a Green County Dairy Growth coalition to launching entrepreneurship programs and exploring new market opportunities for local producers.
Download the Report
For more information, contact GCDC at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or call 608-328-9452.