Missouri Expands Dairy Industry with New Operations by 2027

Missouri is preparing for an expansion in its dairy sector with the introduction of two new operations expected to be operational by late 2027. This development is a positive sign for the state's agriculture industry, according to Chris Chinn, the Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. "We are excited for these two new dairies that are going to come to the state of Missouri," Chinn stated in an interview with Brownfield Ag News.

The state currently hosts 284 Grade A dairy farms and 40 manufacturing farms, a number that has decreased over the past decade, reflecting a national trend towards industry consolidation. The new operations will be located in the southwestern region of Missouri. One of them, a large California dairy, is relocating to the Carthage area and is expected to house approximately 5,000 Holstein cows. The second dairy will be established near Sarcoxie.

The announcement comes during June, recognized as dairy month, highlighted by an official state proclamation made at Hemme Dairy in central Missouri earlier this week.