South Dakota Governor Embraces Soaring Dairy Industry Growth
Source: The DairyNews
In a remarkable surge, South Dakota's dairy industry has witnessed substantial growth, with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reporting a 70.5% increase in the state's dairy cow population since 2019, reaching a total of 208,000 as of January 2024. This surge reflects an impressive addition of 118,000 cows over the past 12 years.
Governor Kristi Noem stands firmly behind the state's thriving dairy sector, emphasizing its significant impact on the economy. The economic contribution of the additional 118,000 cows is estimated to be nearly $4 billion annually, highlighting South Dakota's leadership role in the dairy industry.
Chris Schilken, GOED Commissioner, attributes this success to South Dakota's business-friendly environment and welcoming approach to the dairy industry. Producers nationwide are investing in the state, drawn by factors such as favorable feed conditions, abundant groundwater, and substantial investments in dairy processing.
Evan Grong, Valley Queen's sales manager, identifies these factors as key attractions for producers, noting that the recent surge in dairy cow numbers has played a pivotal role in expanding processing capacity at Valley Queen. The company completed an expansion in late 2019 and is currently in the final stages of another plant expansion.
The USDA Milk Production Reports for January 2024 and February 2023 highlight South Dakota's positive trajectory, with significant growth in both milk production and the number of dairy cows. The state recorded a gain of 40 million lbs. and 39 million lbs. in January 2024 and February 2023, respectively, along with an increase of 21,000 cows year-over-year in each report.
South Dakota's commitment to fostering a thriving dairy industry, coupled with strategic investments, positions the state as a key player in the nation's dairy landscape.
Chris Schilken, GOED Commissioner, attributes this success to South Dakota's business-friendly environment and welcoming approach to the dairy industry. Producers nationwide are investing in the state, drawn by factors such as favorable feed conditions, abundant groundwater, and substantial investments in dairy processing.
Evan Grong, Valley Queen's sales manager, identifies these factors as key attractions for producers, noting that the recent surge in dairy cow numbers has played a pivotal role in expanding processing capacity at Valley Queen. The company completed an expansion in late 2019 and is currently in the final stages of another plant expansion.
The USDA Milk Production Reports for January 2024 and February 2023 highlight South Dakota's positive trajectory, with significant growth in both milk production and the number of dairy cows. The state recorded a gain of 40 million lbs. and 39 million lbs. in January 2024 and February 2023, respectively, along with an increase of 21,000 cows year-over-year in each report.
South Dakota's commitment to fostering a thriving dairy industry, coupled with strategic investments, positions the state as a key player in the nation's dairy landscape.
