Episode description

In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Ben Miller of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin touts the opportunity for dairy exports to reach new markets. 

Miller, senior vice president of industry relations for the dairy business promotion group, shares insights on Wisconsin’s specialty cheese and other dairy products being shipped to markets around the world. While Canada and Mexico are the top export destinations, Miller says the group sees “a lot of growth” and opportunity in places like South Korea and China and elsewhere in Asia. 

“We at [DFW] are partnering with a variety of organizations to get in front of these buyers, and also bring these buyers to Wisconsin so they can experience what you and I take for granted,” he said. “That is how we take care of our farms, how we take care of our rural communities.” 

The conversation also touches on the latest developments with the next federal Farm Bill, the organization’s major policy priorities for that legislation and related funding. 

“It will be interesting to see how Congress, you know, balances all of these priorities, but it is really important for our rural economy,” Miller said. 

He also weighs in on the potential impacts for tariffs being imposed under the new presidential administration and possible responses by other countries. Miller stresses the importance of keeping relationships with partners outside of the United States and raising the visibility of Wisconsin dairy on the world stage. 

“We’re going to do that, regardless of what’s happening around us in the political landscape,” he said. “And we’ll do it this year and next year, and we’ll continue to build on that momentum.” 

Talking Trade is hosted by E.M Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik and M.E. Dey & Co. President and Managing Director Sandi Siegel.