Magic Valley Dairymen Eager For Expansion

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There are more than 550 dairies in Idaho.

Idaho dairy farmers have been struggling with high feed costs and low milk prices for years.  The Times-News reports dairymen in the Magic Valley are optimistic about expanding and new producers in the area, namely Chobani.

“Chobani, the Greek yogurt manufacturer that will soon begin production in Twin Falls, is the newest addition to the list of major Magic Valley milk buyers. Glanbia Foods, which is building a new headquarters and research facility in Twin Falls, and Jerome Cheese Co., which will expand its product line soon, are other large milk consumers.

Nicki Briggs, Chobani’s vice president of communications, said the company’s plant in New Berlin, N.Y., uses almost 4 million pounds of milk per day to produce 1.7 million cases of yogurt weekly. The 900,000-square-foot Twin Falls plant will make at least as much yogurt, she said, and will be larger than the other facility.

‘We chose Idaho because of the abundant supply of high-quality milk and the skilled labor force,’ Briggs said. ‘We’re firing on all cylinders to complete the plant and anticipate starting production later this year. We are looking forward to growing our presence in Idaho.'” – Times-News

You can read the full story from the Times-News here.