It wasn’t just U.S. beef exports that hit records in 2022. U.S. dairy exports hit new volume and value records again last year.
Export volume on a milk solid equivalent basis increased 5% to 2.4 million metric tons (MMT) while export volume last year was equivalent to 18% of U.S. milk produced, also an all-time high. Export value finished the year up 25% at $9.6 billion. That’s the first time it has ever crossed the $9 billion mark.
“We’re exporting more, about 18%-19% of our overall milk production right now,” says Matt Herrick, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at the International Dairy Foods Association. “That’s grown from the 16% just a few years ago.”
“We’re exporting more cheese, whey and ice cream mixtures. And in the markets that are growing, we’re seeing a lot of growth in Southeast Asia, North America and Central and South America. So, places where we have trade agreements, we’re seeing significant growth in those markets.”
All this despite challenges such as inflation and ongoing supply chain issues.
Krysta Harden, the President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council says, “If we can do it in the toughest of times, then we can continue to grow exports anytime.”
2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest
The top cheese makers in the country are gearing up for a big event - The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. This event has been hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association since 1981. It takes place every two years. Cheese makers can compete in 118 different classes. Judges will evaluate more than 2,200 samples of cheese, butter, yogurt and dry dairy ingredients. It is taking place in Green Bay, Wisc., next Tuesday and Wednesday, and the public is welcome to attend.
By AGDAY TV
February 14, 2023
dairyherd.com
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