Waupaca County Census of Ag Summary
By Greg Blonde, Waupaca County Agriculture Extension Agent
Results from the five-year 2017 nationwide Census of Agriculture were released earlier this summer, including a summary report for each state and county. The Waupaca County “Profile” report is now available County Profile – 2017 USDA Ag Census fact sheet.
The census identified 1,652 producers (one-third women) on 1,031 farms in Waupaca County (10% fewer farms than 2012). Nearly three-quarters of all producers in Waupaca County (72%) identified Agriculture as their primary or “full-time” occupation. While the average age of “principal operators” is just over 56 years, twenty-percent (20%) of all producers in Waupaca County are classified as “new or beginning” farmers. One-fourth (260) of all farms in Waupaca County hire non-family labor with an annual payroll over $16 million.
Dairy farmers generated the most farm product sales (63%) in Waupaca County in2017 worth over $95 million. Waupaca ranks in the top 25% among all dairy producing counties in Wisconsin (17th of 68) and among the top 5% nationwide (90th of 1,892 counties). Forage crops, including all hay, haylage and corn silage, were harvested on more than 40% (57,000 acres) of all cropland in Waupaca County to feed local dairy and livestock animals. Other leading crops produced in Waupaca County include corn for grain on more than 37,000 acres (26%) and soybeans on nearly 30,000 acres (20%). Other crops include small grains, as well as commercial fruits and vegetables grown on nearly 6,000 acres (<5%).
While nearly all farms (97%) are still classified as family farms, internet access is now available on nearly three-fourths (74%) of all Waupaca County farms.
Greg Blonde, Agriculture Agent
Extension Waupaca County
Courthouse, 811 Harding Street
Waupaca, WI 54981-2087
Phone: 715-258-6230
Fax: 715-258-6232
Office Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Email: greg.blonde@wisc.edu
Dana Nelson, Program Assistant
Extension Waupaca County
Courthouse, 811 Harding Street
Waupaca, WI 54981-2087
Phone: 715-258-6231
Email: dana.nelson@wisc.edu
