Video: U.S. Dairy Can Become World's Most Dependable Supplier

A new video featuring USDEC Chairman Paul Rovey on his Arizona farm conveys commitment of entire industry to exports. 

Paul Rovey began driving a tractor on his father’s Arizona farm when he was six years old. Little did he know back then that he would become chairman of the U.S. Dairy Export Council and that milk from that same farm would be used in products feeding people in Southeast Asia.

On Thursday, a new video featuring Rovey and his family will be played at the U.S. Dairy Business Conference in Singapore. The audience will consist of more than 100 purchasing and marketing decision makers—ranging from dairy importers to foodservice operators to food and beverage manufacturers—from throughout Southeast Asia.

Rovey begins the video talking about the joy he and his family have experienced milking more than 2,000 cows just outside Phoenix and ends with a bold vision for the entire U.S. dairy industry. . 

“I see the United States being the greatest dependable country for producing milk needed around the world because we can do it 12 months out of the year, we have an abundant supply, we have the availability, and we can produce it," says Rovey. "I see the United States eventually being the leader in the world supply of dairy products.” 

If that happens, Southeast Asia will continue to be a key market. Exports there grew to $1.3 billion in 2014.

What's more, U.S. dairy exports to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations more than tripled in value to $1.3 billion from 2009-2014. Southeast Asia is the United States’ second-largest market, trailing only Mexico.

One goal of the Singapore conference is to see that growth not only continue in the region, but accelerate. If the prediction Rovey makes in the video of increasing U.S. dependability comes true, it increases the likelihood of that happening. 

The U.S. Dairy Export Council is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff that builds on collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to build global demand for U.S. dairy products.  

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