Farming was an essential part of life for most people when Wisconsin was being settled in the 1800s. Farms typically had one or more cows to provide the daily staple of milk but were not used for economic purposes. During the 1890s dairy farming became prominent in Wisconsin as a way of life following the collapse of wheat farming in Wisconsin. This revolution is explained in the video How Cows Created Wisconsin beginning about minute 35. Dairy farming in Fitchburg was very prominent in the first half of the 20^th century with 114 dairy farms in the 1940s and 50s. As suburban life spread in the northern part of Fitchburg dairy farming waned and today only 4 active dairy farms remain.

Dairy Farms in Fitchburg, WI – 1940s & 1950s

Compiled by: Bill Kinney April, 2016 5339 Irish Lane, Fitchburg, WI
Consultants: Paul Lacy, Roger Cohee, Tom & Jeannie Caine, Cliff Hageman