Statewide, Iowa (RI) – Milk production is up across the U.S. and worldwide, which has had some benefit to Iowa dairy producers.
Iowa State University dairy expert Fred Hall says the increase is linked to fewer younger cows known as heifers going into the milking rotation.
Hall says the U.S. has benefited from the increase in milk production.
Hall adds as other countries produce more milk their prices go down and that impacts U.S. dairy exports, milk prices and people who look for cheaper products.
Hall says the same thing is happening with butter, as imported butter prices will drop and that could impact domestic sales.
Hall went on to say the Iowa dairy industry is doing okay now, though the number of dairies has dropped.
Hall says Iowa has the processing available to handle the milk produced or to add a little more, which is good. He says much of the processed milk in Iowa goes to cheese production.
KIWA Staff Photo
