Wisconsin Real Estate

Explore Your Land Investment Options in America's Dairyland

Wisconsin Farmland: A Landowner's Guide to America's Dairyland

With its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, Wisconsin offers a unique appeal to those seeking a connection with the land. Wisconsin provides a diverse and productive environment for farming and rural living, from its rolling hills and fertile plains to its abundant lakes and forests. This guide explores Wisconsin’s history, population, major cities, farmland, and recreational opportunities, offering valuable insights for landowners and potential buyers.

• Wisconsin History

  Wisconsin was already inhabited by many distinct native American tribes when Europeans arrived in the now-state, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago), Menominee, Ojibwe (Chippewa), Potawatomi, and others. From the 17th through 19th centuries, the fur trade was the dominant economy in Wisconsin until logging and agriculture became major industries in the state in the 20th century. Large influxes of Europan immigrants from Germany, Norway, Ireland, and elsewhere to Wisconsin helped shape the state’s economy and culture. Today, Wisconsin remains a leading agricultural state, renowned for its dairy industry, cranberry production, and diverse crop production.

• Wisconsin’s Population and Major Cities

  Wisconsin has a population of approximately 5.9 million people. Milwaukee, the state’s largest city, is a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. Madison, the state capital, is known for its vibrant cultural scene and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Green Bay, a historic city on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a center for manufacturing and tourism. County seats, often smaller towns, serve as centers of local government and community life.

  According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), top agricultural counties in Wisconsin include:

  • Dodge County (seat: Juneau, Wisconsin), a powerhouse in the market value of both crops and livestock, including dairy, corn, soybeans, and hogs. Dodge County is known for its fertile soils and progressive farming practices. 

  • Dane County (seat: Madison, Wisconsin) has a large rural area in addition to its well-known city Madison. Farms in Dane county produce dairy, mixed vegetables, sweet corn, and cranberries. 

  • Marathon County (seat: Wausau, Wisconsin) leads the state in milk production. Ginseng is another high-value specialty crop that contribute to Marathon’s high market value. 

  • Clark County (seat: Neillsville, Wisconsin) is another prolific dairy-producing county that also produces beef cattle. Clark County is known for its strong agricultural infrastructure and cooperative organizations. 

  Grant County (seat: Lancaster, Wisconsin) leads the state in total acreage farmed, with a focus on beef cattle and corn.

• What is Wisconsin’s Farmland Like?

  Wisconsin’s varied landscape and climate support a diverse range of agricultural activities. Dairy farming is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural identity, with Wisconsin leading the nation in cheese production. There’s no surprise that Wisconsin is known as America’s Dairyland; it is home to 5,500 dairy farms and 1.28 million cows! 1,200 licensed cheesemakers in the state produce over 600 types of cheese, adding up to 25% of the nation’s cheese–3.51 billion pounds in 2023.

  Corn and soybeans are also major crops, grown extensively throughout the state. Other important agricultural products include snap peas, cranberries, potatoes, ginseng, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are 58,521 farms in Wisconsin that cover 13.8 million acres.

  In national rankings, Wisconsin is the: 

  • #1 producer of cheese;
  • #1 producer of cranberries, growing 62% of the nation’s cranberries;
  • #1 producer of snap beans for processing; and
  • #3 producer of potatoes.

  Wisconsin boasts a diverse range of soil types due to its geological history. Because most of Wisconsin was covered by glaciers, the soil today includes a mixture of textures from clay to sand. Glacial deposits also often contain minerals that make the soil fertile, especially in areas with silt loams like those in central Wisconsin. Wisconsin is also known for its antigo silt loam soil, which is known for its productivity due to its ability to hold moisture and nutrients. Because of its variety of soil types, there is a wide diversity of crops across the state.

  Farmland-specific businesses are integral to Wisconsin’s rural economy, particularly those that support the state’s dairy producers. These include dairy processing plants, cheese factories, farm equipment dealerships, agricultural cooperatives, and dairy cooperatives. Altogether, these companies provide essential services and support to the farming community, contributing to the state’s agricultural success.

  Wisconsin helps preserve its culture of agricultural excellence through policies and regulations that support farmers. This includes right-to-farm laws, tax incentive programs to keep land in agricultural use, environmental regulations on nutrient management and runoff control, tax credits and exemptions for farmers, state-sponsored marketing and promotion programs, and a deep investment in agricultural collaboration and research. 

• Recreational Hunting in Wisconsin

  Wisconsin’s diverse landscape provides abundant opportunities for recreational hunting. White-tailed deer are a popular game animal, with archery, firearm, and muzzleloader seasons available. Other popular species include black bears, wild turkey, waterfowl, small game, and furbearers.

  The state’s vast forests, rolling hills, wetlands, and agricultural fields offer a variety of hunting environments. There is extensive public land access for hunters, and a strong hunting tradition in the state with an emphasis on ethical hunting practices and conservation. Hunting licenses and permits are required, and hunters must adhere to state regulations and seasons.

  Wisconsin’s numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands make for exciting waterfowl hunting, but the abundance of water in the state also attracts a strong tourism base of anglers each year. There are 160 different fish species in Wisconsin, but the state is most well-known for walleye, musky, panfish, bass, trout, salmon, and catfish. In the winter, ice fishing season starts up for the hardiest anglers. 

  Because of the state’s investment in public hunting and fishing sites, outdoor recreation is uniquely accessible in Wisconsin. Hunting is popular at Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and the Sandhill Wildlife Area. Anglers prefer to visit Lake Winnebago, Chippewa Flowage, and the Mississippi River. But with abundant public and private lands to explore, there’s always somewhere new to fish or hunt in Wisconsin.

• Buying Land in Wisconsin

  Wisconsin presents a unique opportunity for land buyers seeking a blend of agricultural and recreational opportunities. The state’s diverse topography, ranging from fertile plains to rolling hills, supports a variety of land uses. Southwestern Wisconsin is renowned for its productive prairie soils, ideal for crops and dairy farming, and the state’s abundant water resources add to its agricultural appeal. 

  Beyond farming, Wisconsin offers exceptional recreational potential, with ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. A low property tax environment adds to the incentives for land ownership. However, buyers should be aware of regional variations in land quality and seek expert guidance to navigate local regulations and ensure their investment aligns with their long-term goals.

  For those considering buying or selling farmland or recreational land in Wisconsin, it’s essential to find a trusted partner who understands the local market and prioritizes your best interests. Hageman Realty, with its deep roots in Wisconsin and extensive experience in farmland transactions, is committed to providing personalized service and guiding you toward your perfect property in America’s Dairyland.

  Whether you’re a seasoned landowner or new to Wisconsin’s agricultural landscape, Hageman Realty is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of farmland ownership. We’re committed to helping you achieve your goals and secure your future in America’s Dairyland.

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