FACTS ABOUT THE WASHINGTON DAIRY INDUSTRY
There are approximately 496 dairy farms and approximately 238,000 dairy cows in Washington (2007). The average herd size is 480 cows per farm.
Washington ranks 10th in total milk production among the 50 United States (2007). Total milk production exceeded 5,531,000,000 pounds or more than 641,000,000 gallons (2007), an increase of 1.2% over 2006 production levels.
Washington ranks 2nd in milk production per cow in the 50 United States (2007). The average Washington cow produced 23,239 pounds (or 2,696 gallons) of milk in 2007. The U.S. national average production per cow was 20,267 pounds (or 2,351 gallons) in 2007.
Dairy foods constitute the 2nd largest agricultural commodity produced in Washington, with a farmgate value of more than $686 million (2006). The annual economic impact (the “multiplier effect”) of dairy farming in Washington is estimated at over $1.7 billion (2006).
Dairy farms can be found in 25 Washington counties. Whatcom Co. has the largest number, with 144 dairies. Island and Whitman counties have the smallest number of dairies – 2 (2007). Yakima Co. (with 81 dairies) is the 11th highest dairy producing county in the U.S., while Whatcom Co. ranks 23rd in the nation.
U.S. dairy farms with 500+ cows produced 54.1% of all milk in 2007. .Farms with 200-499 cows produced 14.9% of all milk. Farms with 100-199 cows produced 12.2% of all milk. Farms with 1-99 cows produced 18.8% of all milk.
There are 36 certified organic dairies operating in Washington (2008). Six additional dairies are transitioning to organic status and 2 others have applied to begin the transition process (2008). Consumer demand for organic milk is relatively high in Washington compared with the rest of the nation. In Seattle, organic milk represents 10.4% of all milk sales (#2 in the U.S.). In Spokane, organic milk represents 5.9% of all milk sales (#7 in the U.S.). Nationwide, organic milk constitutes about 3.7% of all milk sales (2008).
Cows first came to Washington in 1838. Today, all seven of the major dairy cow breeds – Holsteins, Jerseys, Guernseys, Ayrshires, Brown Swiss, Milking Shorthorns and Dutch Belted – can be found in Washington. Holsteins are the most common breed, as is the case throughout the U.S.
Cow’s milk is composed of protein, carbohydrate, water-soluble vitamins, minerals and water (in fact, it is 87% water). It is especially rich in calcium, Vitamin D, riboflavin and phosphorus. It is also an important source of protein, Vitamin B-12, potassium, niacin and Vitamin A. The Dietary Guidelines released by USDA in 2005 recommend three servings of dairy products daily.
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DairyNews.net is an online resource for news organizations to find research studies and related information about the nutritional benefits of dairy products, and the dairy industry in Washington state.
