By Scout Nelson
Minnesota's once-thriving dairy sector is facing a harsh reality: a relentless decline that shows no signs of slowing down. After losing 58 more dairy farm permits in November, the state has now seen a staggering 146 fewer permits since January, marking a stark drop in just a year.
While winter months typically see some farm closures, the sheer volume of November's losses is alarming. Lucas Sjostrom, Executive Director of Minnesota Milk Producers, expressed concern, stating he hasn't witnessed such a high number of shutdowns in a single month for years.
This downward spiral is driven by a brutal combination of economic pressures. Soaring costs for feed, fertilizer, and other inputs are squeezing farmers' margins, while low milk prices offer little relief. This stark contrast comes just a year after the industry enjoyed a brief period of higher prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pain is evident in the numbers. As of December, Minnesota boasts only 1,825 dairy farm permits, a stark contrast to the over 4,000 farms operating just a decade ago. This decline paints a grim picture for the future of the state's dairy industry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle