Iowa’s Dairy Industry: An Economic Review

The Iowa dairy industry has historically been important in Iowa and remains so yet today as the fifth largest sector of Iowa agriculture. Although the demographics of herd size and location within the state, the positive economic impact of the dairy industry has remained solid. Competitive advantaged that Iowa offers to the dairy industry have resulted in Iowa being the only Midwestern state that has experienced an increase in milk production over each of the past 2 decades (19% over both decades combined). With ample quality feed, stable prices, access to markets, and a strong support system for production agriculture, dairy and its potential for growth will likely continue. The objective of this work and publication was to showcase the Iowa dairy industry, its demographics and the advantages Iowa offers to dairy, as well as the benefits and economic impact the dairy industry brings to local communities, the state, and nation