In a significant milestone for both the dairy industry and the local community, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its cheese and whey processing facility in Dodge City, Kansas. This event marks a dynamic step forward as part of the $9 billion projected expansion in U.S. milk processing.
An Industry with a Growth Mindset
Earlier this year, Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, shared insights at the Dairy Forum in San Antonio, highlighting the industry’s growth mindset. He emphasized, “Our farmers want to grow and so do our processors. If we aren’t growing, if we aren’t looking toward the future, we’re going to get surpassed by others.” This sentiment resonates strongly as 60% of processing executives have expressed optimism, and 73% plan to amplify their investments over the next three to five years.
Why Dodge City?
Western Kansas has become a hub for large dairies relocating from across states, owing to its abundant land, feed, and labor resources. David Ahlem, President and CEO of Hilmar, expressed the company’s gratitude towards state and local officials who supported their project.
By Karen Bohnert
March 17, 2025
Comments