Record year for Wisconsin ag exports in 2012

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State officials say Wisconsin exported a record amount of agricultural products in 2012.
    
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says about $2.9 billion worth of agricultural goods were exported last year -- a 3 percent increase over 2011.
    
The state's best markets for agricultural products are Canada, Mexico, China, Korea and Japan. Canada is the top destination, importing $1.4 billion of products from Wisconsin.
    
The market showing the biggest growth in 2012 was China with a 49 percent increase in Wisconsin agricultural imports. The top exports to China last year were hides and skins, animal feed and dairy-related products.
    
The most valuable agricultural export for Wisconsin in 2012 was beverages, which is primarily ethanol, at $400 million. The state ranks second in the nation in exporting ethanol, just behind Texas.