Manufacturing activity is concentrated largely in the southeastern and east-central regions of the state. Northern Wisconsin, however, retains the majority of forestry-based manufacturing plants. Currently, the manufacturing sector provides approximately 572,000 jobs in Wisconsin, the second-largest of any industrial sector. The manufacturing sector is also strong in terms of income generation, contributing 20 percent of Wisconsin's personal income. Between 1984 and 1994, Wisconsin has increased its share of national manufacturing employment.
Agriculture is another major component of Wisconsin's economy.
Dairy products provide 60 percent of the income received by state farmers. A second source of farm income, roughly 20 percent, is from the sale of cattle, calves, hogs, poultry, eggs, and other livestock. A third source of farm income is cash crops, including vegetables for processing. The state usually leads the nation in the production of sweet corn, green peas, snap beans, beets, and cabbage for kraut. The state is also a large producer of cranberries, lima beans, cucumbers for pickles, and potatoes.