The Dairy Farm Shortage in Mississippi

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)–That chilling glass of milk on your table, all started at a dairy farm.

But in Mississippi, when it comes to dairy production, the glass is almost empty.

According to livestock and dairy specialists, at the Mississippi State University Extension Service,  milk production was down 7 percent, in the first quarter of 2017.

“The biggest reason for this is a lack of cows in the state,” said Livestock Economist, Josh Maples.

There are a couple of factors that seem to be milking the industry dry. Heat stress is a common problem dairy farmers face. Cows can get heat stress very easily, causing milk production to suffer.

“It could lead to milk production loss,” explained Dairy Specialist, Dr. Amanda Stone. “They start panting, they’re uncomfortable just like us, and they don’t want to be in the heat, so that creates a problem for dairy producers who want to make sure their cows are cool and comfortable.”

Stone says there’s also a lack of interest among the younger generation to get into the dairy business.

“There’s not many young people who want to take over dairy farming, so that makes it hard for dairy farmers to stay in business,” she explained. “The Extension Service has youth events to expose them to that.”

There’s research and programs underway at MSU, aimed at helping local dairy farmers improve their product.

“We are looking at ways for farmers to help deal with the risks they’re are facing, and also become more cost effective,” Maples said.

A glass half-full type of approach, for an industry that’s small, but valued.