(KIWA Staff Photo)
Sanborn, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Northwest Iowa dairy producers are using June Dairy Month to give consumers a closer look at the work, technology, and care behind modern dairy farming.
The Western Iowa Dairy Alliance recently hosted a Dairy Month open house at Van Ess Dairy near Sanborn. The event featured guided tours, family activities, free meals, ice cream, and educational opportunities designed to connect consumers with local dairy producers.
Alliance Secretary Joe Wilcox says June Dairy Month gives producers a chance to promote a product and an industry they are passionate about.
Technology Changing the Dairy Industry
Wilcox, who also operates a dairy farm, says modern dairy farming has changed significantly with advances in technology and data collection.
He says many dairies now use robotic milking systems and cow-monitoring technology that tracks activity, eating habits, and overall animal health — tools that help producers make better management decisions.
Despite the technological advances, Wilcox says the focus remains the same for producers of all sizes.
Northwest Iowa’s Growing Dairy Presence
According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, U.S. milk production has grown from 129 billion pounds in 1980 to 226 billion pounds in 2024, though production has leveled off slightly in recent years.
The industry has also shifted geographically over the past several decades, with more production moving westward. Northwest Iowa has become one of the state’s strongest dairy regions, with Sioux, Lyon, and O’Brien counties all seeing major increases in output.
- Sioux County remains Iowa’s top dairy-producing county. ISU Extension reports Sioux County’s 27 dairy producers shipped more than 34 million pounds of milk in March 2025.
- Lyon County shipped more than 14.6 million pounds that same month.
At the same time, the number of dairy producers statewide continues to decline. Iowa had more than 1,500 dairy producers less than a decade ago, but today that number has dropped below 600, even as cow numbers remain relatively stable at around 240,000 statewide.
Iowa Dairy Princess Promotes Industry
The event also featured Kelsey Timp, the Iowa Dairy Princess, who serves as a statewide ambassador for Iowa’s dairy industry.
Timp says one of her goals is to help consumers better understand the work and dedication behind dairy production.
She says she has seen firsthand the commitment dairy farm families make every day.
Connecting Consumers with Agriculture
Western Iowa Dairy Alliance Executive Director Kylie Nettinga says consumer education remains a major focus for the organization.
The Alliance will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
