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Texas is the No. 5 milk-producing state in the U.S. at about 12.6 billion pounds of milk annually, worth $19 million.

January 13, 2020

2 Min Read
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Jan. 12 was National Milk Day. Milk production and consumer demand continue to thrive because of milk’s many uses and benefits, says Jennifer Spencer, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service dairy specialist, Stephenville.

“Consumers are buying more milk, cheese, yogurt and other products, and we expect that trend to continue,” she said. “AgriLife Extension continues to lead the way for Texas dairy operators to improve production levels and quality while addressing concerns about animal welfare and the environment.” 

Texas is the No. 5 milk-producing state in the U.S. at about 12.6 billion pounds of milk annually, worth $19 million. The direct economic impact of dairy production in Texas amounts to more than $3.3 billion annually. 

The Texas Association of Dairymen reported milk products bring almost $39.5 billion into the state’s economy.   

Milk to mozzarella 

Spencer said milk is consumed directly or used in a variety of products, from yogurt, butter and ice cream to supplements for fitness. It has nine essential nutrients important for repairing and building muscles, building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, helping the body utilize carbohydrates, fats and protein and helping with eye health. 

One by-product of milk when producing cheese is whey, she said. Whey is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs. Often this by-product is used in protein shakes, energy bars and yogurt. Whey can also be added to baked goods and soups to increase their nutritional value. 

Spencer said the market has even moved the industry by creating special products, like ultra-pasteurized milk, for people who, like her, are lactose intolerant.  

“When you think about it, milk and milk products are in or on so many items we see on the breakfast, lunch and dinner table,” she said. “Whether it’s in a recipe or with cookies or cheese on pizza, milk is a global staple. 

Milk facts 

–        It takes eight pounds of milk to make one gallon of fluid milk.

–        It takes 10 pounds of milk to produce one pound of cheese.

–        It takes 12 pounds of milk to produce one gallon of ice cream.

–        A single cow can produce 1,900 pounds of milk per month.

–       The average American consumes 40 pounds of cheese, 20 pounds of ice cream and 140 pounds of fluid milk per year.

Source: is AgriLife TODAY, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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