U.S. Dairy Drives Jobs Growth and Economic Strength

Dairy Delivers Report Reveals Dairy’s Role in Boosting Local Economies

A new report from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) shows the powerful role of the U.S. dairy industry in supporting the nation’s economy and its communities.

The 2025 Dairy Delivers® report finds that dairy creates an economic impact of $779.45 billion and supports 3.05 million jobs nationwide.

According to the report, the dairy sector also pays nearly $198 billion in wages and provides $83 billion in taxes that benefit local, state, and federal governments.

These numbers reflect how every part of the dairy supply chain, from farmers to food retailers, contributes to daily American life.

“The data is clear - dairy runs deep in every community across America,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “From family-owned dairy farms to processors, retailers, and community businesses, dairy supports livelihoods, sustains local economies, and delivers real value to the people who depend on it. These numbers reflect more than economics—they reflect the reach and relevance of dairy in the daily lives of Americans.”

The Dairy Delivers® interactive tool, developed with economic firm John Dunham & Associates, lets users explore economic data by state, district, and industry segment. It offers key insights into dairy’s impact on jobs, exports, and wages.

The report also notes $8.2 billion in dairy exports, showing how U.S. dairy supports global nutrition and trade.

Throughout National Dairy Month, IDFA will share dairy’s contributions through events, media, and policy engagement.

To explore the full report, visit www.idfa.org/dairydelivers.