With total production increasing 5% to approximately 15.6 billion pounds of milk last year, Texas had the fastest growing dairy industry in the United States. Nobody could be prouder of the milestone and more excited about the industry’s prospects than Texas Association of Dairymen Executive Director Darren Turley.
“Texas has the fourth-largest dairy industry in the U.S. We are still waiting for the United States Department of Agriculture's latest report because we might be third,” Turley told GMI POST.
However, with two new dairy production plants expected to start operations within the next two years, Texas will most certainly grab the No. 3 position in the near future. The rapid growth of the dairy industry, according to Turley, can be attributed to influx of people relocating to the state.
In 2022, Texas saw the largest net population gain in one year with more than 450,000 people moving to the Lone Star State, according to a report by the Bank of America Global Research.
“Today, production is now averaging 10 gallons of milk per dairy cow per day. We have roughly 625,000 dairy cows and it's amazing that we're at this level. Texas is the fastest growing state; and we’re also the fastest growing dairy. They go together,” said Turley, who is confident that Texas will lead in the development of new products and in the integration of new production technology.
Turley attributed the industry’s rapid growth to the state’s favorable business policies, supportive communities, availability of open and tillable land, growing market of new consumers, and ideal weather conditions for dairy production.
“Texas deserves your attention,” said Turley as he invites investors and producers in the dairy industry to come to Texas.
Established in 1991, TAD has a proactive advocate and the unifying voice for the dairy industry in Texas. It works closely with various stakeholders, the state legislature, and other government and regulatory bodies in formulating the best solutions for issues affecting within the dairy industry in Texas, such as the environment, animal welfare, and food safety.
