DAIRY

Dairy farmers in the United States provide milk, cheese, and yogurt from approximately 51,000 farms while 97% are family-owned. The average herd size in the U.S. consists of 115 dairy cows and each cow can produce 6-7 gallons of milk per day. Minnesota is 6th in cheese production and 8th in milk production. The average dairy cow in Minnesota produces 19,700 pounds of milk each year. That is nearly 2,300 gallons of milk!

Dairy products are very nutritious. Together, milk, cheese, and yogurt provide nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin, and niacin. Calcium is a major nutrient that helps build strong bones. Got milk?