11/23/07 Dairy exports still going strong

Washington Ag November 22, 2007 U.S. dairy exports reached a record high in 2006 and so far this year the export numbers are going even higher. Onalaska, Washington dairy producer Liz Anderson says the numbers show that the efforts of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, USDEC, are paying off. Anderson: "Global demand is definitely there. Last year, 9.3% of our milk solids were exported. This year, as of the first half of the year, we've exported 11.2 percent of our total milk solids." More than 50 percent of USDEC's work is funded by U.S dairy producers through their check off and Anderson says USDEC is uncovering new U.S. dairy export opportunities in all regions of the world. Anderson: "Ninety-five percent of the population lives outside of our country and our dairy farmers are so efficient that we are producing more than we can use in this country. So, we have to send it and supply food for the rest of the world. The innovation, research and work that USDEC is doing, and the global demand for our product, that's going to continue, so it's really an exciting time right now." Through focused efforts U.S. dairy exports have increased four consecutive years and are on pace to reach 2.5 billion dollars in value by year end. Without overseas markets, excess milk solids would be a burden on the U.S. domestic market. I'm Bob Hoff.