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U.S. plans to be dairy supplier for long haul

The head of the U.S. Dairy Export Council says access to natural resources will set the U.S. apart as a world supplier of dairy products. 

Tom Vilsack tells Brownfield while New Zealand is closer in proximity to Asia, the U.S. has more resources available to produce dairy and is deepening its presence in one of the largest growing regions of the world.

“We’re deepening our presence, we’re making investments, we’re now playing the game and the world knows we’re not just playing it to get rid of our surplus but we’re literally in this export game for the long haul to win.”

He says U.S. dairy farmers are strengthening their commitment to sustainability and other countries are noticing. 

“Roughly 60 percent or so of the milk that is being produced today is being produced under a stewardship commitment that involves animal welfare commitments, greenhouse gas reduction emission targets and protocols, traceability, appropriate use of antibiotics.”      

Vilsack says 2018 exports are likely to be record setting and is optimistic that will continue into 2019.

Vilsack spoke with Brownfield during the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, Michigan.