Corn Exports Have Big Impact On Wisconsin Economy

Exporting corn and corn products in Wisconsin contributed over $300 million to the state’s economy, according to a new study.

According to the report from the U.S. Grains Council and the National Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin is 18th in the country for the total economic output of corn exports in 2014. That measure includes actual corn sales and related economic activity, like production of feed and ethanol, all of which supported 740 jobs in the state.

Tom Thieding, communications director for the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, said the organizations who commissioned the study wanted to highlight the broader impact of exports, especially for federal officials considering international trade agreements.

“So that (elected officials) have a better understanding that it’s not just the volume and the value of the dollars of what we’re exporting, but there is this ripple effect of jobs and economic impact in our state,” Thieding said.

Producers use most of Wisconsin’s corn for livestock feed within the state.

Paul Mitchell, associate professor of agricultural economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said exports still have an impact on the local market.

“People that do export grain, if they don’t export grain it drives everyone’s prices down, including those in Wisconsin,” Mitchell said.

Wisconsin exports about 4 percent of the state’s total corn production, mostly in the form of animal feed and ethanol.