Here in Wisconsin, we have so much to be proud of – the beautiful landscapes that define our state, our great schools and strong communities, and our state businesses that, despite challenging economic times, continue to find ways to invest and innovate.

In recognition of one of the state’s signature industries, June is Dairy Month in Wisconsin. This month, we take special time to recognize Wisconsin dairy farmers, processors and entrepreneurs for their national and international leadership. Agriculture has defined our state for generations, and despite the economic hurdles we are all facing right now, dairy will continue to be an industry that defines Wisconsin and serves as a foundation for our economy for generations to come.

Not that long ago, some were pessimistic about the state’s agriculture and dairy sector. There was concern about the growing role of California’s dairy sector, but we have met these challenges head-on. In the last six years, my Administration has worked in a bi-partisan way to partner with agriculture leaders and find strategic opportunities to grow and compete. Through my Grow Wisconsin initiatives, we have made agriculture a top priority for investment.

Because of the hard work of people across the state, today dairy in Wisconsin is a $20.6 billion industry. Wisconsin has an incredible infrastructure, with 14,000 dairy farms, 200 dairy plants, and over 1,200 cheese and butter makers recognized around the world for their excellence. Our state supplies more than 25 percent of the national cheese market, 13 percent of our nation’s milk, and almost half of the specialty cheeses.

I am proud to say today Wisconsin is not only the number one cheese producing state in the country – we are also producing the very best cheese. In the 2009 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, cheese makers from throughout the state took home 115 total awards in 64 categories, including the Grand Championship.

The domination of Wisconsin cheese makers is a direct result of record investments to specialize and grow. I am proud to support the dairy industry’s efforts through dairy processor and investment tax credits. In the first year of investment, $600,000 in dairy plant investment tax credits leveraged $42 million in plant investments and created dozens of jobs.

Combined, dairy farms and plants have invested over $2.2 billion in the last five years – and plan to invest billions more in the next five years – creating new jobs for hardworking Wisconsin citizens. I am confident that the Dairy Cooperative Tax Credits that I included in my early bill will take these investments to the next level, and continue the state’s focus on growth and diversity in dairy.

Today, the dairy industry is facing tremendous challenges with falling commodity prices, increasing rent and input prices, a struggling restaurant industry, a credit crunch, and the collapse of export demands.

Just as Wisconsin saw the collapse of grain prices and set out to become the dairy state a century ago, today we can find new opportunities for growth in the challenges we face. One of the most promising areas for growth and innovation is clean energy. From our farm fields to our factories, Wisconsin is well-positioned to take advantage of the resources we have to advance green technology, start new green businesses, and protect the environment.

More than half of the state’s dairy plants are looking to invest in energy efficiency and the development of clean energy. From using wood waste and waste water to power methane digesters, to pumping methane gas from nearby landfills to power plants, our agriculture and dairy producers are saving millions in energy cost and helping to clean our air and water.

This is the future of dairy in Wisconsin – innovative, smart, and efficient dairy producers and farmers that are making investments to ensure that dairy not only defines the state’s past, but our future as well.

Agriculture is at the heart of our economy and it’s at the heart of who we are in Wisconsin. This month and every month, let’s all raise a glass of milk to toast the hard working dairy farmers of the state for all they do to keep our state America’s Dairyland.