McMinn Celebrates Dairy Month as the Top Milk-Producing County in Tennessee

Dairy is a valuable industry in Tennessee and an essential product of McMinn County. According to the USDA, McMinn County is the top milk-producing county in Tennessee, and one of the leaders in the United States. Dairy is a $13.6 million industry in McMinn County because of its high milk production levels.

“McMinn County is responsible for a considerable portion of Tennessee’s milk production,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA). “However, our local dairy industry thrives in other ways. We are also a leader in value-added agriculture products.”

June is National Dairy Month, and it's a great time to look at this industry in McMinn County. See how farmers Make it in McMinn by raising happy cows that produce milk and other products.   

Tennessee is Home to 24,000 Dairy Cows

As of 2024, more than 24,000 dairy cows call Tennessee home, producing 18,708 gallons per head annually. While macro-farms certainly make an impact in the state, smaller farms also contribute to the dairy economy. McMinn County is home to 975 total farms, and 85% of those farms are smaller than 179 acres. Nearly half (48%) of McMinn County farms are smaller than 50 acres.

Not only do dairy farmers feed America, but they also contribute significantly to local jobs. Dairy is responsible for 20,500 jobs in Tennessee, with residents working directly on farms and supporting local farmers so they can run their businesses more smoothly.  

“We are always looking at the future of farming and the skills our farmers want from their employees,” says Ferguson. “We can then work with local workforce development programs and schools to ensure the next generation of farmhands are ready to build their careers.”

Many farms in McMinn County are multi-generational. The kids in school are preparing to take over the family farm and want to ensure it will be sustainable and profitable under their care. 

Value-Added Agriculture Contributes $142.8 Million to the Tennessee Economy 

Value-added agriculture is the process of taking raw materials and turning them into products ready for consumers. While many consumers buy milk in its liquid form, they also enjoy purchasing butter, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and other food items. Many local farms produce their own value-added products, creating a $142.8 million industry in the state.

Value-added agriculture makes McMinn the sweetest county in Tennessee. It is home to Mayfield Dairy Farms®, which ships ice cream and other products across the United States. McMinn County puts dessert on America’s tables in a variety of flavors.

Mayfield Dairy is a 100% farmer-owned brand through the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). More than 1,600 dairy cows contribute to Mayfield’s operations, enabling it to sell its products nationwide. It is also one of the largest employers in McMinn County, with 381 employees.  

Anyone craving Mayfield ice cream can visit one of 200 scoop shops across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. This value-added product is a favorite of residents across the Southeast United States. 

American Dairy Consumption is at an All-Time High 

McMinn County will continue to support American consumers as they buy more milk, ice cream, and yogurt than ever. As of 2023, the average American consumes 661 pounds of dairy products per year, which is driven mainly by the consumption of butter and cheese.

While fewer people consume milk directly, they are incorporating value-added dairy products into their meals in other ways. The cheese pizza you order or the butter you put on your morning toast is made possible by McMinn County farmers. In fact, the average American eats 42.3 pounds of cheese per year alone.

Follow the McMinn County EDA for More Delicious Insights

Not all economic development insights come with whipped cream and a cherry on top, which is why the McMinn County EDA is excited to celebrate National Dairy Month. Mayfield is a significant presence in the region, but smaller dairy farmers in McMinn County are just as important. Whether they sell milk to consumers or create value-added agriculture products like butter or cheese, our farmers ensure Southeast Tennessee residents are well-fed.  

Keep up with the McMinn County EDA for other economic development news or become a member and have a say in the region's future. You can shape McMinn County and bring a voice to the farmers and food producers of the region. We can’t wait to learn from you.