Wisconsin farm exports grew in 2010

MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin farm exports grew 36 percent in 2010, with only Texas and Tennessee farm exports growing at a better rate.

According to the state, Wisconsin farm exports earned a record $2.4 billion in sales in 2010.

The top product category was cereal grains, which includes rice, wheat, oats, barley and corn. It jumped 112 percent in 2010 compared to 2009.

The miscellaneous grain, seeds and fruit category had the next biggest increase at 63 percent. Wisconsin leads the nation in flax seed exports. Wisconsin companies exported $25.4 million worth in 2010, compared to $6.9 million in 2009.

Wisconsin's two biggest markets were Canada at $904 million and Mexico at $198 million.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected in Milwaukee on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss economic opportunities in Wisconsin.