05/16/06 US dairy exports show an increase

US dairy export values jumped 56 percent in the last two years reaching a record 1.66 billion dollars in 2005. Margaret Speich of the US Dairy Export Council says robust demand for dairy protein has made the US the world leader for skim milk powder, whey and lactose. SPEICH "We produce 50 percent more whey here in the United States than we can consume. For example last year 40 percent of the whey produced here in the United States was shipped overseas. 35 percent of all the nonfat milk powder produced in the United States last year was exported, so was 61 percent of the lactose and 55 percent of the whey protein isolate. SPEICH "In 2005 our exports represented 8.3 percent of the total US milk production and that's double from a decade ago." USDEC has staff members all around the world. Speich says all US dairy producers benefit from the export program because it helps to solidify prices in this country. Economic growth in China, Russia, Mexico and the Middle East created the opportunities for increased sales of milk components last year. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott