Cooperative Network recognizes the need to supply Wisconsin’s dairy processors with the milk they need, and supports the Dairy 30×20 Initiative announced today by Governor Scott Walker in Madison.
The initiative will improve the long-term viability of the state’s dairy industry through services designed to achieve an annual milk production of 30 billion pounds by 2020. In 2011, the state’s dairy farmers produced 26.1 billion pounds, enough to meet only about 90 percent of milk volume needs at the state’s processing plans.
“Wisconsin’s dairy cooperatives market more than 80 percent of the milk produced in the state, and manufacture 60 percent of the state’s cheese,” said Cooperative Network President and CEO Bill Oemichen. “This commitment to grow our industry and assist dairy farmers, regardless of size or type, will ensure a bright future for this $26.5 billion industry.”
Cooperative Network took part in discussions that led to the formation of Dairy 30×20 with other state dairy leaders including Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Wisconsin Farmers Union, Wisconsin National Farmers Organization, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Dairy Products Association, GrassWorks Inc, UW-Extension, Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research and Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability.
Wisconsin’s milk production grew less than 1 percent in 2011 to 26.1 billion pounds of milk, which is not on pace to meet future demands of the state’s dairy processors in spite of Wisconsin having more than 11,000 licensed dairy herds, more than any other state. This, in turn, could lead to a lower rate of growth in an industry that is vitally important to the overall state economy.
Farmers can call 855-WIDAIRY, email GrowWisconsinDairy.gov, or go to GrowWisconsinDairy.wi.gov for more information.
Source: Cooperative Network