A Growing Tradition

Photo by American Images Custom Aerial Photography® Marshfield, WI

Marathon County, as is true with much of Wisconsin, has an agricultural history strongly rooted in the tradition of family farms, passed from one generation to the next. These farms, as well as those who are a first generation operation succeed by learning from past successes, while also growing and changing with new technology and concepts. Known internationally as a provider of quality dairy; we can also boast many other diversified and innovative programs! There is commitment and optimism demonstrated throughout the Marathon County Agri-Business Community! Marathon County is proud to be selected to host its third show. We are excited to showcase the state's largest outdoor agriculture show, once known as Farm Progress Days; it too has grown into a tradition now known as Farm Technology Days.

•  Facts from 1974 Farm Progress Days

•  Facts from 1996 Farm Progress Days

•  1996 Event Reinvests in County Agriculture

•  Then and Now

•  Past County Shows

•  Present Marathon County Agriculture at a Glance

•  Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

•  Agricultural Roots Run Deep

Facts from 1974 Farm Progress Days

Although 1974 was 37 years ago, many of the challenges faced by farmers, as well as the humor found in the daily farm routine can be appreciated today. The "Wisconsin Agriculturist, A Farm Progress Publication" from 1974 focuses on agricultural challenges that were being faced in the mid seventies, as well as providing a look at the lighter side of current events of the day. Check out the cover story from July 13, 1974, featuring the Ken and Richard Leick families, who hosted the 1974 show. With operating expenses rising and high interest rates, see what farmers thought was on their horizon. Check out the lighter side of life with some favorite cartoons and the popular "Song of the Lazy Farmer", and finally, the "Pick the Pig Contest" held by "Kent" with the first prize being a 1975 Chevrolet pickup equipped for farm use, including BIMCO Grain and Stock Rack ( Read more )

Facts from 1996 Farm Progress Days

"If you build it they will come." This is a direct quote from a paper in April 1993 about the Farm Progress Days event that took place in Marathon County on the Ross-Hart Farm, in July of 1996. Also stated in that same article was "About 120,000 visitors will descend on a Marathon County Farm, to see the latest in farm products, services, equipment and techniques demonstrated. Farm Progress Days is a big deal." ( Read more )

1996 Event Reinvests in County Agriculture

Marathon County realized some significant profits from the 1996 show. It was decided, to put the funds back into the community. A large sum went to the Wisconsin Valley Fair Grounds to build and repair the Youth Building, now known as East Gate Hall ( read more ). Another portion of the proceeds went toward a fund to provide Marathon County youth, pursuing a secondary education, scholarships for many years to come. The Marathon County Farm Progress Days Scholarship Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, was established to promote continuing educational opportunities in the field of agriculture and to provide educational opportunities during various stages of an individual's life and/or career ( read more ). The Athens' Community Fair also benefitted from a portion of the profits. In 1999 the Athens Agricultural Improvement Society received funds, which were used to help pay off the remainder of a bank note. The note was the remaining debt incurred with the construction of a shelter built over the show ring. The final amount of the 1996 show profit was utilized in the Marathon County UW Extension to purchase cabinets and folders for proper storage of publications and other documents.

Then and Now

When asked about the 1996 Farm Progress Show, the host family have been quoted as saying, "Dream comes true;" while the 2011 host family feels that "This is the opportunity of a life time!" There are similarities in the host families of the 1974, 1996, and now the 2011. Each family has carried on the tradition of the family farm into the next generation. At the same time, one can see the differences of each operation; as each embraced the new and innovative concepts and technology of agriculture.

Present Marathon County Agriculture at a Glance

Marathon County agriculture at a glance.

•  Agriculture provides 13,266 jobs in Marathon County.

•  Agriculture accounts for $2.4 billion in business sales.

•  Agriculture contributes $629.6 million to county income.

•  Agriculture pays $58 million in taxes.

Agriculture provides 15% of county's jobs -- Marathon County agriculture provides 13,266 jobs, 15 percent of the county's workforce of 88,873. Jobs include farm owners and managers, farm employees, veterinarians, crop and livestock consultants, feed, fuel and other crop input suppliers, farm machinery dealers, barn builders, agricultural lenders and other professionals, to name a few. It also includes those employed in food processing and other value-added industries. Every job in agriculture generates an additional 1.2 jobs in the county.

Agriculture pumps $2.4 billion into economy -- Marathon County agriculture generates $2.4 billion, almost 18 percent, of the county's total business sales. Every dollar of sales from agricultural products generates an additional $0.40 of business sales in other parts of the county's economy.

Agriculture contributes about $630 million to county income -- Marathon County agriculture accounts for $629.6 million, or 11 percent, of the county's total income. This includes wages, salaries, benefits and profits of farmers and workers in agriculture-related businesses. Every dollar of agricultural income generates an additional $1.05 of county income.

Agriculture pays $58 million in taxes -- Economic activity associated with Marathon County farms and agriculture-related businesses generates $58 million in local and state taxes. This figure does not include all property taxes paid to support local schools. If it did, the number would be much higher.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Marathon County looks to build on a rich agricultural heritage. Known internationally as a provider of quality dairy and ginseng products, and prized cattle genetics, county leaders are not resting on their laurels. Innovative programs such as the Partnership for Progressive Agriculture (PPA); Dairyland State Academy, Inc.; and Northcentral Technical College's brand new Agriculture Center of Excellence, demonstrate the commitment and optimism that you'll find here. Marathon County is proud to be selected to host this show for a third time ('74, '96, and 2011) and looks forward to hosting a tremendous show!

Agricultural Roots Run Deep

The great timber forests were the reason for the first white settlements in Marathon County. Ironically, early settlers considered the area unsuited to agriculture, and although clearing land was a painstaking process, it also revealed rich, loamy soils for farming. For decades, crops and livestock were not raised as a business, but as a supplement to their work at the lumber mills. Isolated farms began operations in the 1850's but had a slow start. At the time, no one could have suspected that those few cattle were the beginnings of an industry that would one day rival logging in economic importance to the region. In fact, it was the lumbermen who were most instrumental in encouraging dairy development. In the early 20th century, these businessmen began to establish high quality purebred dairy herds, as they could afford the investment and the risk. It was late in the 19th century that Marathon County began to develop its ginseng industry. Wild ginseng was prized by traders and actively harvested for decades, but the supply dwindled. In 1904, four brothers decided to go into business cultivating ginseng and raising foxes. Although they were only 10 to 16 years of age, their experimentation, persistence, and business savvy produced the largest commercial ginseng operation, and the largest silver fox breeding operation in the United States. The ginseng market experienced many ups and downs for economic and political reasons, but is still important to the local economy.

The Wisconsin Farm Progress/Farm Technology Days show has been held annually since 1954.  The show, which has grown to Wisconsin's largest outdoor farm show, is held on a different farm each year.  Thirty-eight counties have hosted the show, with Waupaca County leading the way with four shows. The 1954 & 1955 shows were held on the same site.  Dodge County, Rock County, and soon, Marathon County will tie for second place, each with three shows hosted.  We thank those farmers who have opened their homes and farms over the years.

List of Wisconsin Farm Progress Days Counties and Host Farmers