(Le Mars) — The dairy industry has witnessed some growth, especially within northwest Iowa, and surrounding states. Officials with the dairy industry have established what has become known as the I-29 Dairy Corridor. It is a coalition
of dairy producers, processors, university officials, and other industry representatives that are focusing on having the dairy industry grow within the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. Leo Timms is
a dairy specialist with Iowa State University. He says a winter work shop, or seminar, is scheduled for January 19th to take place in Orange City. Timms says the conference should appeal to everyone with a connection to the dairy industry.
Timms says some of the other seminar topics will cover the behavior of animal health, as well as food trends within the dairy industry. He says employee relations and succession within the family dairy business will also be discussed.
Timms says the dairy industry contributes greatly to the local economy. He says there are more cows being milked in Iowa today than ever before. And those dairy farms either directly or indirectly help boost employment.
The Iowa State University Dairy Specialist says there has been an increase of demand for some dairy products.
Timms says people may tend to forget that dairy products are an international market commodity.
That expansion of the dairy industry can be seen right here at Le Mars with the facilities expansion of Dean Foods and Wells Enterprises.
