U.S. Dairy Processors Expand Capacity To Meet Demand

Oct 10, 2025

According to data released by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), America’s dairy processors will have invested more than $11 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 19 states, including Kansas, by the end of 2028. These new and upgraded facilities, of which there are more than 50, will add to the billions of dollars of new processing capacity that has come online in the past decade.

This continual growth is in response to surging consumer demand for dairy products. IDFA data shows U.S. milk production is expected to grow by 15 billion pounds by 2030 to meet consumer needs. Sales of yogurt, shakes, smoothies, cottage cheese, whey protein powder, milk products and more have risen sharply. Cottage cheese sales alone have surged by about 20% in the U.S. in the year leading up to June 2025, according to Circana, a data analytics company.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems

CEOs of the Industry, Jim sits down with John McIntire, Partner at Pike Pig Systems, one of the most quietly impressive 26,000-sow operations in the U.S. John shares how he grew from operator to partner, how Pike built a people-first culture with long-tenured managers, and why they’re committed to weaning bigger, stronger pigs at 25+ days.

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From Prop 12 and labor challenges to trade, consumer expectations, and sustainability, John chooses a hot-button issue and shares how Pike is preparing for the future. The episode closes with a rapid-fire “Fast Five” — mindset, leadership, daily habits, and three words that define Pike Pig Systems in 2025.

If you want a look inside a people-driven, purpose-driven, quietly elite pork system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.