Suber Points to Supply Security as a Key to Future Growth

Many foreign buyers wonder where they can find a reliable supply of dairy products. It is an opportunity for U.S. suppliers.  

As the global market for dairy products grows and available inventories shrink, buyers want supply security, presenting an opportunity for further growth of U.S. dairy exports.

That was the analysis provided by U.S. Dairy Export Council President Tom Suber at the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo.

Dairy Herd Management covered Suber's DFA speech, with Editor Dave Natzke reporting that the U.S. dairy industry is “walking the walk” when it comes to exports. Looking ahead, consistent supply will be a key.

The U.S. has become the third-largest dairy exporter in the world, and the largest single-country cheese exporter.

Still, ”there's still more work to be done,” Suber said in his speech.

As the global market for dairy products grows and available inventories shrink, buyers are seeking “supply security,” wondering where milk and dairy products will come from, he said. In addition, with improved economic returns in dairy industry, investors are also looking for consistent milk supply areas to invest.

Suber outlined steps to sustain U.S. export growth as a consistent supplier:

• Press ahead on price reforms.
• Pursue an ambitious trade policy agenda.
• Continue to develop better risk management tools.
• Lead the way to assure buyer and consumer confidence—individually and collectively.
• "Double down” on talking to customers, with an eye toward future innovation.

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is a national dairy marketing cooperative that serves and is owned by more than 13,000 members on nearly 8,000 farms in 48 states. DFA also is one of the country’s most diversified manufacturers of dairy products, food components and ingredients, and is a leader in formulating and packaging shelf-stable dairy products.

Image copyright: 123RF Stock Photo

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.