Good Time for Magic Valley Dairy Producers

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Dairy officials say a growing economy in China and drought conditions in New Zealand are helping drive growing global demand for Idaho cheese and other dairy products. The Times-News reports that price increases for milk products are also on the upswing due to average production in Europe.

Mark Lopshire of WOW Logistics says it's an especially good time to be in the cheese industry in southern Idaho. He says prices have risen from $1.60 per pound to $1.85 per pound in the last couple of months.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report shows China's growing economy is driving demand for milk products. China imported 500,000 metric tons of milk powder last year and experts project that to top 600,000 metric tons this year.