Minnesota Dairy Farm Activity Report

This report provides monthly updates on the number of dairy farm permits recorded by the MDA Dairy Inspection Program. Dairy farm numbers are calculated by counting the number of dairy farm permits. A permit is the authorization given to operate as a dairy producer. It is important to note that one permit does not equate to one geographical location; in some cases, there may be more than one permit on a geographical location or one farm site. For example, one farm site may have two brothers farming together that each have their own permit. Or, one farm site may have a milking goat herd and a milking cow herd, and therefore requires two separate permits.

The MDA works with industry to update information about the status of permits on an ongoing basis; however, sometimes notification of farm quits or transitions may be delayed and thus our numbers can sometimes reflect actual changes which occurred previous to the given month.

What is the difference between "quit" and "dried off"?

Farms that quit are those farms that have decided, to the best of our current knowledge, to discontinue dairy farming. Farms that are dried off have stopped milking for a period of time, often during a specific season, but intend to resume operations within about 60 days.

What is a "transition"?

A transition occurs when a farm changes ownership. Essentially, one permit is discontinued and another starts. This may be due to passing the farm along to another family member, engaging new partners, or changing business structures and legal entities responsible for the operation.

Report date: December 1, 2024

Overall Numbers

Total dairy permits: 1,699
Change from previous month: -56

*The MDA identified an internal data issue causing permit counts to be underestimated in the first half of 2024. This issue has been resolved; the report includes corrected counts beginning in July 2024.