Milk: More Local Than You May Think

While shopping at your market, you can feel good knowing you’re supporting local farmers.

That’s because dairy farms produce milk across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. On average, milk travels 315 miles from the farm to your local store. The fresh milk you enjoy also goes through strict quality controls to ensure its quality, purity and great taste.

You can feel great about that milk purchase for a few other reasons, too. For example, according to the USDA, about 97 percent of all U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated. You may have never thought about it this way, but dairy farmers and companies are local small-business owners, parents, school supporters, and active members of community organizations just like you.

In addition, the effort behind every glass of milk you enjoy contributes jobs, income and vitality to the farmer’s community. That’s because dairy farmers and companies create employment opportunities, purchase products and services (along with farm employees), and contribute to local tax revenues.

So while you may not pick up your milk at your local farmers market, you can feel confident knowing that by purchasing a gallon isn’t only good for your family, but communities around you, too.