South Dakota Dairy Industry

Agriculture is the number one industry in South Dakota providing a $16.3 billion economic impact to the state. Dairy products are the second leading livestock commodity in cash receipts.  The state's milk production in 2000 totaled 1,634 million pounds, up from 1,507 million in 1999.  The average number of milk cows, at 102,000 head, was unchanged from last year, and production per cow, at 16,020, increased 1,245 pounds (8 percent) in 2000.  Most of our milk is processed into cheese, milk powder and whey blends, then exported to other states. Although total dairy farm numbers are declining, many producers are enhancing their operations to become more efficient and profitable. The dairy processing industry has also expanded over the past five years resulting in increased processing plant capacity. This expansion and modernization has created a strong, competitive milk market for our state’s dairy producers.

For information on the South Dakota Dairy Industry contact:

David Skaggs, Dairy/Ag Development Specialist
605-773-5436