Why Missouri is the Perfect Place for Dairy Businesses to Thrive
- March 17, 2025
Missouri is an excellent state for dairy businesses to grow due to its central location, strong agricultural infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. Missouri has 374 grade A and 120 manufacturing grade dairy farms, along with 36 grade A and manufacturing grade processing plants according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture.
1. Prime Location & Distribution Advantages
Missouri’s central location in the U.S. is one of its key assets. Dairy food companies can easily reach both regional and national markets, with access to major highways, railroads, and the Mississippi River for transportation. This helps reduce shipping costs and improve delivery times, making it an ideal location for businesses that need to distribute their products widely. While dairy cows are located throughout Missouri, the Missouri milk cow population tends to concentrate in the state’s southwest and south central regions.
2. Abundant Dairy Resources
Missouri boasts a growing dairy processing industry, which includes cheese-making, yogurt production, ice cream manufacturing, and other dairy food products. The state’s established infrastructure is ideal for dairy food companies looking to scale operations or enter the value-added dairy market. Missouri’s dairy processing sector continues to grow, with new innovations in dairy-based products and plant-based dairy alternatives on the rise.
- Missouri has a strong dairy farming industry, with 56,000 dairy cows producing high-quality milk.
- Plentiful farmland and water resources support feed production, ensuring a reliable supply for dairy operations.
- Missouri’s Agri-Ready County Designation by Missouri Farmers Care supports agriculture and agribusiness growth throughout the state.
3. Skilled Workforce
With an abundance of skilled workers in agriculture, food science, and dairy processing, Missouri offers a well-trained workforce. Universities like the University of Missouri and Missouri State University offer agricultural programs and food science degrees, preparing students for careers in the dairy food sector. This ensures companies can find the talent they need to develop new products, improve production efficiency, and meet consumer demands.
4. Networking & Industry Support
Missouri has a thriving agriculture and food manufacturing network. The state hosts numerous agricultural and food industry events, such as the Missouri State Fair, where dairy food companies can connect with customers, suppliers, and industry partners. The Missouri Department of Agriculture also offers resources for food companies looking to expand their operations and market their products.
Missouri’s central location, abundant dairy resources, business incentives, and skilled workforce make it an ideal state for dairy food companies to grow and thrive.
Learn more about Missouri’s thriving food and beverage industry