Wisconsin cows (File photo: Jackie Johnson)
State agriculture officials are launching a new effort in the coming months to help farmers market their livestock feed internationally.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection is getting ready to take part in a number of trade missions that will reach buyers from around the world. One in particular is set to coincide with the World Dairy Expo in Madison at the start of October. DATCP’s Jennifer Lu says producers will have a chance to market to overseas buyers with the help of state officials. “We’re expecting six international buyers from six different countries to come to Wisconsin to purchase our animal feed.”
Lu says an increased demand for meat in Asia is fueling an increased demand for value-added animal feed. “The population is growing, and they need more nutrition, and Wisconsin provides quality, consistency, and good value for our overseas markets.” But it’s not just corn and soy that they buyers are interested in, they’re looking for products that will improve the quality of their livestock. “Milk replacers, animal nutrition products, vitamins, whey protein, meat and bone meal, minerals all the good stuff to help the animals grow faster and better.”
Registration for the trade mission is required by August 19th. A discount is availabe with early registration by August 9th.
WSAU