A report issued by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS), shows Kansas’ milk production grew at the fastest rate in the United States, growing 7.3 percent, in 2013.

Kansas posted the third largest increase in total pounds of milk production in 2013, only trailing dairy giants Wisconsin and New York.

The dairy industry in Kansas is a crucial component to the state’s agricultural industry and overall economic growth. According to Josh Roe, economist for the Kansas Department of Agriculture, the value of milk produced in Kansas totaled nearly $592 million adding approximately $131 million to the Kansas economy and 482 jobs in 2013.

“The remarkable growth we have seen in Kansas this year and in years past is an excellent testament to the quality of work Kansas dairymen and women conduct on a daily basis,” said Billy Brown, Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Agribusiness Development coordinator. “Our dairies are an economic engine for rural Kansas, and we thank our dairy farmers for their commitment to continuing to grow the industry and rural Kansas by producing a wholesome and nutritious product.”

As the national demand for food and agricultural products continue to grow, Kansas is quickly rising to the top as the premier dairy frontier. Abundant farmland, feed supply, ideal climate and agriculture-based culture make it an ideal location to dairy. Kansas is home to more than 300 dairy farms and 137,000 dairy cows.

For more information on Kansas’ Dairy Industry, please visit http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dairy-in-kansas.