California Dairy Industry contributed to economic boost

In a recent study, the California Milk Advisory Board concluded that the California Dairy Industry contributed $63 billion to the state’s economy in 2008.  The dairies produced $9.9 billion worth of milk in 2008.  This amount, added to the remainder of the supply chain, equals the state’s $63 billion economic boost.

The board determined that in 2008 a single “milk cow generated $34,165 and four dairy cows equaled one job in the industry.”  The board also determined that “10 on-the-farm jobs led to 222 beyond-the-farm jobs.”  This leads to 408,500 jobs, in the state of California, being related to the dairy supply chain.

Additionally, the chief executive officer of the California Milk Advisory Board stated that California produces “21% of the milk in the country.”

This post was contributed by William Mitchell College of Law student Brian Hansen.  Mr. Hansen is a student of Professor Donna M. Byrne.