How Much Milk Do Colorado Cows Make Each Year?

Dairy is big in Colorado. The IDFA says dairy's economic influence in the Centennial State is worth over $3 billion annually. The industry employs over 15,000 Coloradans and generates nearly $695 million in wages.

Each one of Colorado's healthy dairy cows can provide about 3000 gallons of milk each year. In total, Colorado's dairy industry produces about 558 million gallons of milk every year.

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Colorado - A Great State for Cows

According to the U.S. Farm Data Service, Colorado has over 300 dairy farms. Milk cows love the climate, feed crops love the altitude, and the cows enjoy lots of available land for grazing. According to Dairymax.org, Colorado ranks 13th in milk production within the United States thanks to more than 186,000 milk cows in the Centennial State.

Colorado's Dairy Counties

Weld County is Colorado's dairyland. There are at least 78 dairy farms in Weld County, which helps to make it the richest agricultural county in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Morgan County is home to 17 dairy farms, while Larimer County has 16, Logan County has 13 dairy farms, and El Paso County has 12.

Colorado's Largest Dairy Farms

Empire Dairy: One of Colorado’s largest dairy farms is home to about 5000 cows living on 5000 acres in Wiggins, Colorado.

Quail Ridge Dairy: This Fort Morgan dairy is one of the state's leading farms for advanced technology for cow health and productivity. It is one of the top dairy farms in the state. Specific herd size is not available.

Mountain View Dairy in Loveland looks after more than 7000 cows. The farm is one of Colorado’s largest and contributes in a big way to the state’s dairy production efforts.

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After looking through reviews from numerous websites I have a list of the best locations to get a milkshake on the Western Slope. And if you're favorite isn't mentioned below make sure you comment on your favorite so we can add it to the list.

LOOK: Western Colorado Growers and Farmers of Yesterday - Robert Grant Photos

Various shots of Western Colorado peach growers and farmers from the 1940s to the 1980s.

Gallery Credit: Robert Grant

PAY: 15 of the Most Expensive Groceries Found in Colorado

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Source: How Much Milk Do Colorado Cows Make Each Year?

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