The boom in demand for whey protein is reshaping the economics of the U.S. dairy industry. While it does introduce plenty of new opportunities for revenue, it also creates a few new risks for dairy producers. Fred Hall, Northwest Iowa Extension Dairy Specialist, said there are a couple factors that are contributing to the increase in demand for high-quality protein.
Whey, which is normally thought to be a low-value byproduct of cheese production, is now one of the most profitable components of the dairy industry. Hall said dairy protein is being recognized as a potent and versatile source of the nutrient.
Hall said dairy producers are also selectively breeding their cattle to increase the protein content in the milk.
Hall said this increased demand for protein will hopefully increase profit margins for dairy producers in Iowa and across the country.
For more information, visit extension.iastate.edu.
