MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin’s agricultural exports increased 7 percent through the first nine months of 2008.

Gov. Jim Doyle’s office said Thursday the $1.5 billion in exports is a record high for a nine-month period.
Dairy exports were up 39 percent, or $50 million, compared with the same time last year. Exports were driven by demand for cheese and butter, Doyle’s office said, with cheese exports alone up 47 percent compared with last year.

Overall exports were driven by demand in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Korea.

Doyle’s office said Wisconsin agricultural exports account for about 20 percent of the state’s farm income. Agriculture generates $51 billion for the state annually and close to half a million jobs.

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