Agribusiness remains the number one industry in Pennsylvania, and dairy is the largest segment of that industry. In 2012 and 2013, Pennsylvania's milk cows produced approximately 20.7 billion pounds of milk, representing 5.1% of the nation's milk supply and ranking Pennsylvania the fifth largest milk producing state in the nation. Gross income to Pennsylvania dairy farmers from the marketing of milk was approximately $2.4 billion in 2013 and $2.1 billion in 2012. Our dairy producers, processors, and distributors have a huge impact on the Commonwealth's economy. The Pennsylvania dairy industry provides over 60,000 direct and indirect jobs. As such, the Milk Marketing Board has a tremendous responsibility regulating all aspects of the Pennsylvania milk industry – from the farm to the consumer.

My fellow Board members and I do not take this responsibility lightly. We are confident that Pennsylvania will remain among the nation's leading dairy states, due to our hard-working dairy farmers and the unparalleled number and diversity of our processors and manufacturers. Through the mandates set forth in the Milk Marketing Law, the Milk Marketing Board will continue its vital and stabilizing role, ensuring all segments of the industry receive an equitable price for milk, thus guaranteeing a continual supply of pure and wholesome milk to the citizens of Pennsylvania.