MINNESOTA MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION

108 Marty Drive, Suite 2 | Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone: 763-355-9697 | Fax: 763-355-9686
E-Mail: mmpa@mnmilk.org | Web: www.mnmilk.org

SURVEY OF MN DAIRY FARMERS CONFIRMS DIRE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

In a survey of Minnesota dairy farmers who are members of the Minnesota Milk Producers
Association (Minnesota Milk), the current economic conditions of our state’s dairy family
farmers are as bad, if not worse, than what most experts have assumed.

Here are the findings of the dairy farmer survey:

✓ Poor Conditions. 97% describe “current economic conditions facing dairy
farmers in Minnesota” as “poor,” 3% said “fair and 0% responded as excellent or
good.
✓ Dairy Farmers in Crisis. 91% Strongly Agreed with the statement that, “MN dairy
farmers are in a crisis, experiencing some of the worst economic conditions in
years” – 5% somewhat agreed with the statement and only 5% disagreed.
✓ Credit is Tightening. When asked to describe their “current situation with lenders
when it comes to securing operating loans for your dairy farm,” 40% say they either
can’t get financing, or the terms are unreasonable. Here’s the breakdown
- 15% need credit but lenders won’t extend any new loans
- 25% can get financing, but the terms are unreasonable
- 45% said financing is tighter than in the past, but the terms are manageable
- 9% said they don’t need or plan to seek new financing this year
✓ Need Legislature to Assist. 79% said it is VERY IMPORTANT that “the MN
Legislature authorize support (Ex: $0.20 to $0.30/cwt) to help dairy farmers bridge
through the current economic conditions,” 14% said it is somewhat important, and
5% said it is not important.

“Since legislators have to weigh competing priorities each year, we felt there was an
urgency to get current information directly from dairy farmers to help legislators appreciate
the magnitude of the dire situation facing Minnesota farm families,” said Lucas Sjostrom,
Executive Director of Minnesota Milk. “While we were hoping for better news, we hope
Minnesota legislators and all Minnesotans will agree that dairy is experiencing unique
challenges that justify a unique response with support for our farm families yet this
session.”

Methodology: The survey had four questions and was emailed to Minnesota dairy farmers
who are members of Minnesota Milk. The responses were submitted to MN Milk between
April 5 and 24. Depending on the question, the response rate was 19% to 26%.

Advancing the Success of Minnesota Dairy Farms