ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, AND GLOBAL DEMANDS ON THE UNITED-STATES DAIRY-INDUSTRY

Since 1970, average milk production per cow in the US has increased by 2321 kg. During this time, the number of cows has decreased by 2,010, 000, and the number of farms with milk cows is less than one-third the previous level. These trends are likely to continue. Although increas ed productivity has made US producers among the most efficient in the world, many challenges will emerge in the near future. Reduced governm ent involvement that is partially due to budget constraints will contr ibute to greater price variations than in the past; international trad e may offer new opportunities for increased sales if current trade neg otiations are successful; and environmental concerns, animal welfare i ssues, and consumer preferences will continue to challenge the industr y. Basic and applied research, technology transfer, and responsible le gislation will be needed to assist the industry in meeting these chall enges. Most of all, active producer participation in setting research priorities and the legislative agenda is necessary for the industry to progress.