Agri News, MN
05-02-06
Western Iowa Dairy Alliance starting to roll
By Ryan Wendland
news@agrinews.com
SIBLEY, Iowa -- As the number of dairy cows in northwest Iowa continues to
grow so does the need for those affected by the industry to voice concerns and
promote further expansion. In an attempt to draw together what has been termed
a "fragmented" dairy industry into a firm coalition that can carry out those duties
in the region, the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance has taken shape.
Though the alliance is in its formative stages, Kurt Wierda who manages Sibley
Dairy, a 1,250 head dairy, and serves as co-chair of the steering committee said
the group is needed to promote not only existing dairy expansion, but entice
dairies from the western U.S. to western Iowa.
"There has been a lot of dairy expansion by existing producers and those who
are moving in. There are herds from California, Idaho, Arizona and the
Netherlands that are looking for a place to go. When these guys form California
and Idaho talk about moving cows this way, they talk about generally, 2,000 to
3,000 cows. They are going to go somewhere, and we want them to come here,"
Wierda said.
Wierda said when cows move into the area, so do people, which means in turn,
healthier schools and a healthier local economy. Wierda said every $1 spent on
dairy production translates into $7 for the local community.
Improved production is another benefit of dairy expansion, Wierda said.
"It's not so much about boosting numbers, it's about improving production,"
Wierda said. "We're not looking to flood the market with milk, but these cows are
moving and we want to take advantage of the economic impact."
A couple of the reasons those western dairies are looking to move are urban
sprawl, distance from feed and environmental concerns. Wierda said western
Iowa not only has the perfect climate for diary, it can also provide affordable feed
at a reasonable distance, good infrastructure and the latest technology.
The Western Iowa Dairy Alliance began when nearly 100 people involved with
the dairy industry met three times in Sheldon. The group completed a vision
statement and elected leaders. The next step will be a membership drive. The
alliance will hire a spokesperson. Wierda said the alliance would then integrate
new producers and promote expansion of existing dairies.
Chris Mondak, Iowa State University Extension Dairy Field Specialist and
dairy specialist for Western Iowa Diary Alliance, said it is important to
understand that the group is only part of a statewide coalition with the Iowa State
Dairy Association, Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, Iowa Farm Bureau
Federation, Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship and Iowa State
University.
"Together, that whole group is addressing how we can grow Iowa dairy
production," Mondak said.
Wierda said the alliance wants to work with those organizations in an effort to
strengthen the entire Iowa dairy industry.
"We are calling it Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, but we don't want to segregate
ourselves. There is a lot of excitement in dairy around here and we want to build
on that," Wierda said.
Mondak said the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance would advance the statewide
promotion of dairy.
"Since this is a statewide issue, I think this is the correct way to go," Mondak
said. "I think in the long run we will have a more complete and thought out plan."
Positive economic impact from increased dairy production remains a major
consideration of the alliance, Wierda said. With more cows come more labor,
which means more families and children in schools.
"We know the economic impact, and we know these cows are going to go
somewhere, so why not bring them here so we can enjoy the huge economic
potential," Wierda said.
Dairy by the numbers
Chris Mondak, Iowa State University Extension dairy specialist based in
Orange City, estimates:
--There are about 200,000 dairy cows in Iowa
--There are 4,400 dairy cows in Lyon County
--There are 3,255 dairy cows in Osceola County
--There are 23,435 dairy cows in Sioux County
--In the 20 counties of northwest Iowa, there are about 50,000 dairy cows.