'America's Dairyland': Time to put the Wisconsin license plate slogan out to pasture?

We've been America's Dairyland — at least on license plates — for 77 years. And there doesn't seem to be a big appetite for a change.

The Journal Sentinel asked folks about the license plate slogan Tuesday after a state business leader floated the idea of scrapping the slogan.

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce President Kurt Bauer told a group Monday that it might be time to rethink the dairy-flavored license plate slogan, according to an Associated Press report.

"Bauer says that other slogans like 'Forward' might be more appropriate to modernize perceptions of the state's economy, rather than just focusing on agriculture," the AP reported.

Wisconsin license plates have carried the America's Dairyland slogan since 1940, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Some of those interviewed in downtown Milwaukee weren't convinced a change is necessary. 

“I actually wouldn’t change it at all. I’m married to a dairy farmer, so the dairyland is very close to my heart,” said Karla Kabara, 31, whose husband is a Pulaski dairy farmer.

Others said the license plate slogan could reflect some of the state's favorite activities.

“Watch Packers, drink beer,” joked Bryan Heaton, 35, of Milwaukee. “And don’t drive drunk.”