Here’s a bit of good news to help celebrate June Dairy month. The Farmer reported on a recent study that shows growth in the dairy industry in Minnesota.

A new study, conducted by MDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services, shows the industry generated $1.7 billion in cash receipts or 24% of the state’s total livestock marketing. In 2008, milk prices received by Minnesota growers averaged $19.08 per hundredweight, a second historical high. However, milk prices saw significant declines early this year, averaging $12.60 per hundredweight in the first four months – the lowest level since 2002.

The study shows dairy exports also increased. As the fifth largest dairy exporting state in the U.S., Minnesota reached a record-high of $113 million in dairy exports in 2007, a 22% increase from the previous year. Since 2000, dairy exports have grown by 61%. Dairy is one of the fastest growing export sectors in Minnesota agriculture.

Many large dairy states have seen decreases in cow numbers in the past decades. Minnesota, however, has achieved increases in cow numbers from 2005 to 2008, a four-year growth trend after long periods of decline. In Minnesota, milk yield per cow increased 34% from 1990 to 2008, from 14,000 pounds to 19,000 pounds.

Link to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to view the conclusive results of the study.