Expansion of the proposed Elk venison farm will provide an immediate investment of $36,850 in capital, and convert 40 acres of presently idle agricultural land to productive pastureland. However, these local benefits, while significant in Forest County, will provide only a small portion of the project's impact on Wisconsin's agricultural industry.

Through the demonstration of an economically viable Elk venison farm operation and active promotion the industry potential, the number of Elk venison farms in northern Wisconsin will grow, and the current trend for idling of pastureland will be slowed, or possibly reversed. The potential for significant agricultural development in Northern Wisconsin is very high. From 1990 to 2000 Elk venison consumption in North America nearly tripled , while consumption in the United States has doubled. The emphasis on healthy and natural foods by today's consumer is met by venison's low fat, high protein...