The dairy industry has a $2.7 billion economic impact in the state of South Dakota and consumers got to see that first hand at this year’s Dairy Fest in Brookings. SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson says the state’s herds produce 274 million gallons of milk, with $436 million in milk sales annually.
She through tours of the SDSU dairy processing plant, farm tours and the carnival families got to see the dollars involved in the dairy business. The carnival had 14 different learning stations that also illustrated to consumers how milk gets to their table.
The jobs, taxes and business that creates for local communities was evident on a tour of Old Tree Farms near Volga owned by Sonja and Frido Verpaalen. The couple came to the U.S. in 2001 from The Netherlands to start their dairy, which is an economic driver in the area.
They also hope people attending the tour saw how well they take care of their animals and the steps they follow to ensure a safe product.
An estimated 3,000 people attended the Dairy Fest activities over the three days.
