California’s dairy business generated $61.4 billion in economic activity within California in 2007 and a record 41 billion pounds of milk. The data represents a 30% increase in economic growth and a nearly 12% increase in milk production since 2004, according to a study by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). Despite current economic factors, California’s dairy business experienced continued growth in 2007, maintaining its position as the top dairy producing state. These growth trends are expected to continue as the study projects total California milk production to exceed 55 billion pounds by 2020. [Excerpted from press release]

In 2007, California had 1,960 dairy operations housing 1.8 million dairy cows that supplied milk to 120 dairy processing plants. Demand for locally produced milk in California is expected to increase, and is identified by the “Real California Milk” seal, first introduced in late 2007. Three months after the launch of the seal, research conducted by OTX Research found that 89% of California consumers reported an intent to purchase dairy products with the seal.