Wisconsin’s dairy industry is booming
One bright spot in Wisconsin’s economy this year is its agriculture. Gov. Jim Doyle announced last week that Wisconsin’s agricultural exports increased by 7 percent to a record $1.5 billion during the first nine months of 2008.
"I’m really pleased that people around the world are learning the best food and livestock are produced here in Wisconsin," Doyle said. "Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of our economy, and Wisconsin is aggressively positioning ourselves to take advantage of this growing demand through technological upgrades and new products."
Wisconsin’s dairy exports grew by 39 percent to $176 million, up from $126 million in the first nine months of 2007. Exports were driven by a rising demand for cheese and butter. Cheese exports set a record value of $75 million for the first nine months of 2008, a robust 47-percent increase from a year ago.
Dried distillers grains and solubles (DDGS) continue to experience wide international acceptance as a livestock feed. DDGS exports grew 93 percent compared with the first nine months of 2007. Export sales totaled $25 million for the first nine months of the year.
The state’s agricultural exports were driven by growing consumer demand in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Korea for dairy products, baking and brewing ingredients, foods and food preparations, beverages and hides. Mexico was the key market for the export of dairy genetics and live dairy cattle.
Wisconsin ranks first among the state for the export of dairy cattle, semen and embryos.
Agriculture generates $51 billion for the state annually and close to half a million jobs.
MedPro Imaging expands into new headquarters
MedPro Imaging Inc. has expanded its sales staff and moved its headquarters from North Prairie to 3,000 square feet of space at 300 Travis Lane in Waukesha.
The company refurbishes ultrasound equipment, sells parts and distributes General Electric ultrasound devices.
Keith Rubenstein, who was appointed senior vice president of sales and marketing in February, said, "MedPro’s robust expansion program began about eight months ago," Rubenstein said. "We are already seven months ahead of schedule in terms of our projected growth. We attribute this to the right geographic coverage, extraordinary customer service and offering the right price at the right time."
The Wisconsin-based company was founded by Charles Jahnke in 2005 and markets ultrasound products and services in 17 countries.
In support of the company’s most recent expansion, MedPro has announced the appointment of Seattle-based Ryan Plasch as western zone sales director, Michael Holbrook as central zone sales director and Anthony Harris as its national service director. Harris comes from GE where he served in high level service positions.
MedPro Imaging plans to open an additional sales and service office in Ohio in first quarter of 2009.
"We see no end in sight," Rubenstein said. "As the economy falters, even greater demand for factory remanufactured diagnostic ultrasound will occur. People are seeking more economical alternatives to buying new capital equipment, thereby saving thousands of dollars."
