By Andi Anderson
While not in the top five milk-producing states in the U.S., Indiana's dairy industry plays a vital role in the state's economic landscape. The American Dairy Association of Indiana (ADAI) reports that Indiana is home to over 700 dairy farms, with approximately 95% of them being family-owned.
These farms collectively care for more than 174,000 dairy cows, with an average of around 140 cows per farm, as per ADAI. Complementing the dairy farms are over 20 processing plants in the state, including three specialty cheese facilities, nine ice cream plants, eight fluid milk processors, one Reddi-wip factory, and one condensed milk powder plant.
Top dairy processors in Indiana, such as ConAgra Foods, Edy’s, Kroger, Nestle, and Prairie Farms, contribute to the state's 14th national ranking in milk production. Indiana holds the second spot in the country for ice cream production, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).
Indiana's dairy cows produce approximately four billion pounds of milk annually, with around four million pounds exported daily, notes ADAI. The milk, costing less than 25 cents per eight-ounce glass, typically travels from farm to grocery store within 48 hours.
Dairy enthusiasts can trace the origins of their milk by using codes found on cartons and containers through whereismymilkfrom.com, providing transparency in the supply chain.
Despite not being in the top tier of milk-producing states, Indiana's dairy industry significantly contributes to the state's economy. As of 2021, the U.S. dairy industry's estimated economic impact was $753 billion, supporting 3.3 million jobs and accounting for about 3.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). For more detailed insights into the economic impact of individual dairy products, check the IDFA report here.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-dimasobko
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Dairy Cattle