Dairy’s Deep Economic Impact in Communities Across America

IDFA’s Dairy Delivers® Shows U.S. Dairy Industry Supports Over 3 Million American Jobs, Drives Nearly $780 Billion in Economic Impact

Today, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) released the updated Dairy Delivers® report, reaffirming the U.S. dairy industry’s immense contributions to the nation’s economy and quality of life for American families and communities. According to the 2025 analysis, dairy supports over 3 million American jobs, $198 billion in wages to American workers, and nearly $780 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy.

“The data is clear: dairy runs deep in every community across America,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “From family-owned dairy farms to processors, retailers, and community businesses, dairy supports livelihoods, sustains local economies, and delivers real value to the people who depend on it. These numbers reflect more than economics—they reflect the reach and relevance of dairy in the daily lives of Americans.”

The Dairy Delivers® tool, developed in partnership with leading economic research firm John Dunham & Associates, is a comprehensive, interactive data visualization platform available on the IDFA website. Updated every two years, the tool provides users with the ability to explore dairy’s economic impact by state, congressional district, and industry segment—empowering businesses, advocates, and policymakers to see firsthand how dairy delivers in their own communities.

Key highlights from the 2025 report include:

• 3.05 million total U.S. jobs supported by the dairy industry
• $197.6 billion in wages
• $779.45 billion in total economic impact
• $83 billion in combined federal, state, and local taxes
• $8.2 billion in total annual exports

IDFA will continue to highlight dairy’s economic and community impact throughout National Dairy Month, engaging with stakeholders, legislators, and the public through events, media and social media aimed at showcasing the value of the U.S. dairy industry.

To explore the 2025 Dairy Delivers® data or download state and district-level reports, visit www.idfa.org/dairydelivers.