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Agriculture 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 20'th 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 19'th 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.
Marathon County agriculture at a glance..
• Ranks first in the state in milk production, cultivated ginseng sales, and forage production land
• Market value of farm production is $307.4 million annually
• 10,427 jobs in agriculture - just over 12 percent of the county's workforce
• Represents $1.24 billion in economic impact - about 15 percent of the county total
• Eighteen plants process dairy products
• 490,628 acres of farmland in Wisconsin 's largest county - over one million total acres
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! [Read more about the "Growing Tradition" in Marathon County]
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