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State Dairy Plan Calls For More Processing

Judy Baxter
/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/judybaxter/

Indiana is shifting gears when it comes to dairy.

Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced a new "dairy strategy" for the state dairy industry today.

Indiana Department of Agriculture Director Ted McKinney says Indiana produces and ships four million pounds of milk out-of-state on a daily basis.

He says the state‘s status as "Crossroads of America" positions Indiana to be an even greater presence in the dairy industry.

"Why don't we keep that here and add value in the way of a cheese plant, a yogurt plant, whey, or other byproducts?" asks McKinney. "And the good news is that we're already getting more than a few nibbles by dairy processors."

Currently, Indiana has about two dozen dairy processing facilities.

McKinney says the goal is to boost processing capacity and lure even more facilities to the state.

McKinney says California, New York and states in the Northeast remain among the dominant dairy producers.

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