Vilsack says Dairy has a Great Story to Tell

Vilsack says Dairy has a Great Story to Tell

Russell Nemetz
Russell Nemetz
Last week during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed farm broadcasters. Currently, the President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, Mr. Vilsack, said the U.S. dairy industry has lots of reasons for optimism in spite of the recent Dean Foods bankruptcy announcement.

“Well, I think you have to understand that there is actually good news in the dairy industry” said Vilsack. “Ninety-four percent of households in the U.S. have food, milk in their refrigerators, butter at a 50-year high, consumption domestically, cheese at a record high. Domestically, we've seen increases in exports since we began our next 5 percent plan, both in volume and in value. Value is up almost a billion dollars more than it was just a couple of years ago. And I think it's reflected in the fact that prices are at the highest they've been in five years. So, I think we're beginning to see some rebound for dairy farmers.”

He says the U.S. dairy industry has come a long way here in recent months.

“It has, because I think this is an industry that has embraced innovation” said Vilsack. “You're beginning to see a lot of different products. We just shocked the world, if you will, at the World Cheese Awards. A cheese from Oregon was voted the best cheese in the world-Rogue Creamery-with their blue cheese.

He says potential increases in dairy exports are other reason to expect better days ahead for U.S. dairy.

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