A National Dairy Leader
Idaho ranks as the nation’s third-largest dairy state and is one of the fastest-growing dairy regions. The industry is concentrated in the Magic Valley, where favorable climate, feed availability, and processing infrastructure have attracted major operations.
- Herd Size: Approximately 600,000 dairy cows statewide.
- Production: Billions of pounds of milk annually with steady growth over two decades.
- Cheese: Idaho produces roughly one-third of all mozzarella cheese made in the United States.
- Major Processors: Glanbia Foods, Chobani (yogurt), Agropur, Brewster Cheese.
- Economic Impact: Top-two ag sector by cash receipts, supporting feed growers, trucking, vet services, processing jobs.
- Key Challenges: Milk price volatility, environmental regulation, labor availability, animal welfare standards, feed costs.