New Mexico has approximately 107 licensed dairy herds, with the largest average herd size (2700) in the nation. New Mexico is currently ranked 9th in the nation for milk production and 4th in the nation for cheese production (see our 2023 stats here).
The dairy industry in New Mexico provides significant economic benefits to the state. According to USDA statistics, New Mexico dairies produced over 8.17 billion pounds of milk in 2020. The average New Mexico dairy produces over 58 million pounds of milk per year. The economic value of this raw milk alone contributes over $1.4 billion to the economy of New Mexico, and the total economic impact exceeds $4.45 billion annually. For more information on the economic contributions of dairy farms to the New Mexico economy, visit the NMSU Dairy Extension.
Dairy Producers of New Mexico (DPNM) works closely with environmental advisors and local and regional environmental regulators to formulate environmentally protective, sensible, and efficient operating procedures to enable our farmers to produce the milk used in all the delicious dairy products we enjoy like cheese, butter, ice cream, fluid milk, and dairy ingredients.
– The New Mexico Legislative Session adjourned sine die at 12 noon on February 15th, 2024. We will keep you updated on interim committees and the Special Session as the year progresses.
-Thank you to all of our Sponsors, Exhibitors, Golfers & Attendees for making our 33rd Annual Meeting, Trade Show, Golf Tournament & Silent Auction Fundraiser a success! We can’t wait to see you all again next year.
While I don’t have too much to report as of late… The governor has signed into law her bills (including the clean fuel standard..) and now we wait. We are doing everything we can to try and minimize the impact that this will have on our producers in the future. Nothing has moved on the Farm Bill, and I don’t have much to report on the FMMO hearing either.
We are doing our best to remain apprised and share information with you as we receive it about what is happening in Texas. We need to remain vigilant and keep in contact with one another, and the powers that be. The world continues onward, and so do we…
I would like to send out a little reminder to all of you about the importance of what we do here. The ability to spread information, to protect your interests in our state and federal legislatures, and the solidarity we share, especially when things are difficult. If you are not a member, please consider joining. If you are a member and know someone who isn’t, encourage them to join! We need all hands on deck as we go forward and continue to fight for the dairy industry in New Mexico.
Please mark your calendars for our 33rd Annual Meeting, Trade Show, Golf Tournament & Silent Auction Fundraiser – June 7th- 8th in Ruidoso, NM. We are very much looking forward to being together and having some fun. Registration sheets will be available soon, so keep
an eye on your mail, email and on our website.
Sincerely,
Sybrand Vander Dussen