Oregon’s dairy industry is a vital part of the state’s agricultural sector, known for its high-quality milk and dairy products. Oregon is home to nearly 140 dairy farms, many of which have been family-owned and operated for multiple generations. These farms are committed to producing top-quality dairy products while caring for their cows and the environment.
OSU conducts research on various aspects of dairy farming, including animal health, nutrition and sustainable practices.
The industry is valued at more than $3.2 billion statewide, responsible for over 14,000 jobs and $680 million in wages. This includes the production of milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter and other specialty products. Milk is the fourth-most valuable agricultural commodity in Oregon, with a production value of approximately $724.9 million in 2022.
Oregon State University supports the state’s dairy industry through various programs and initiatives. OSU conducts research on various aspects of dairy farming, including animal health, nutrition and sustainable practices. This research helps improve the efficiency and quality of dairy production in Oregon.
The Oregon State University Extension Service provides education, training and technical assistance to dairy farmers. This includes forage production, herd management, milk processing and the usage of dairy products. Extension offers resources and workshops to help farmers improve their practices and stay updated on the latest research.
OSU’s Food Innovation Center (FIC) in Portland, which opened in 1999 as one of the nation’s first urban agricultural experiment stations, offers a range of services to assist food and beverage companies, including those in the dairy sector. The FIC offers research and development in areas like food chemistry, engineering and microbiology, as well as product development and sensory analysis for the dairy industry. This expertise helps dairy entrepreneurs and companies innovate and improve their product offerings.
The FIC conducts unbiased sensory evaluations and consumer testing, offering dairy producers insights into taste, texture and overall acceptance of their products. The center also offers consultations on food safety protocols and conducts shelf-life testing to determine expiration dates, helping dairy businesses maintain quality and comply with regulations.
The newly renovated Arbuthnot Dairy Center in the College of Agricultural Sciences continues to focus on state-of-the-art education and research in dairy processing. It includes a classroom, a dairy technology laboratory, and a licensed commercial dairy pilot plant: the Tillamook Dairy Innovators Lab. The center offers workshops, short courses, and business incubation for dairy entrepreneurs.
OSU provides hands-on training for students through projects like the Beaver Classic Cheese, where students develop, produce and sell cheeses and ice cream using milk from the OSU dairy farm. This program offers practical experience in dairy processing and helps students earn money for their education.
Because the U.S. dairy industry faces a shortage of a well-trained workforce, especially in technical roles like processing, supply chain and quality management, OSU launched a comprehensive online Dairy Foods Manufacturing continuing education training program. The program offers accessible, engaging modules in English and Spanish. Since June 2023, over 1,000 learners enrolled in the program, with160 earning their certificates. The students have given the program a 98% positive rating.
OSU is deeply networked within the Oregon dairy industry due to long-term partnerships with organizations like Oregon Dairy Industries and the Oregon Dairy Council to provide education, research and promotion. Oregon Dairy Industries hosts an annual conference and product evaluation to promote high-quality dairy products and foster industry growth.
Since 2021, OSU has been a collaborating member of the Pacific Coast Coalition led by Fresno State University resulting in $880,000 of direct investment to OSU, access to $7 million in shared centralized resources and to more than $17 million in competitive sub-awards for Oregon dairy processors. The coalition, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, supports investment in innovation by Oregon’s dairy industry through the more than $2.9 million awarded to 27 Oregon processors via the program’s competitive industry sub-award process.
By supporting Oregon’s dairy industry through innovation, education and community engagement, OSU not only enhances the quality and sustainability of dairy production but also strengthens the local economy and promotes the well-being of communities across the state.
