U.S. Dairy Industry Experts Say New Growth Opportunities Are Needed

In the last few decades the U.S. dairy industry has grown export demand, but experts say progress has stalled. In 1998, officials and dairy farmers pivoted the industry’s previous anti-trade stance, opening the door for expanded industry growth. Nine free trade agreements (FTAs) with 14 countries were negotiated during President George W. Bush’s administration creating new markets, but new agreements dwindled after that. The last U.S. FTA agreement completed that impacted dairy was in 2011, while other countries have continued progress. Hoard’s Dairyman has taken the recent stance that the U.S. dairy industry needs more market opportunities, but calls on farmers to help make their voice known to policymakers. Read how competitive disadvantages are growing and what farmers can do to help turn things around.