More Milk Production Needed to Meet Rising Consumption

My parents always lived by the saying “No Farmers, No Future.” That’s becoming more of a reality as the world population continues to increase and food demand rises. It’s a scenario that’s following through to the dairy industry. A recent Dairy Herd Management article states that global milk and other liquid dairy products are on the rise. It’s projected that milk consumption will increase 2.2 percent throughout the next three years according to the Tetra-Pak Dairy Index.  

While consumption continues to rise, milk production has stayed at relatively the same level. And, according to another Dairy Herd Management article, milk production for the top 23 states in May 2009 increased by only 0.2 percent compared to May 2008. However, all 50 states saw a mere 0.1 percent gain in milk production compared to a year ago. As dairy cattle numbers in each state continue to decline dairy producers are trying to produce more milk with fewer cows.   

June is Dairy Month and it’s important to inform consumers how important the dairy industry is to our nation and world. Celebrate by purchasing dairy products to help support dairy producers this month and every month.