The USDA recently announced an anticipated rise in the value of U.S. agricultural exports for fiscal year 2010.  Ag exports are forecasted to net an estimated $98 billion, $1.4 billion above final fiscal year 2009 projections.  These values are expected to be the second highest ever, following a record year in 2008.

As reported by Dairy Today, the USDA expects a recovering global economy to boost demand for high- value products from the U.S.  Livestock, dairy, and poultry product exports are forecasted to rise $200 million over estimates set during August projections.

The economic impact of the California dairy industry is vital to the state, creating nearly 435,000 full-time jobs in 2007.  Job creation includes economic activity associated with on-the-farm and beyond-the-farm jobs, including those who grow feed, as well as workers in processing plants, distribution centers and grocery stores.  According to a study conducted by J/D/G Consulting Inc., an independent dairy industry research firm, California's dairy industry generated $47 billion in economic impact in 2004.  In 2007, impact was measured at $61.4 billion-representing an increase of 30 percent. The latest economic impact figures are set to be released in early 2010.