The information below highlights some key features of the Australian dairy industry and gives an insight into how dairy contributes to Australia’s economic well being.

The Australian Dairy Industry at a Glance – FY20

National Dairy Herd

• 1.41 million cows

Number of Dairy Farms

• 5,055 farms

Average Herd Size

• 279 cows

Milk Production

• 8,776 million litres

Average Annual Milk Production Per Cow

• 6,170 litres

Dairy – Australia’s 4th Largest Rural Industry

• $4.8 billion in farmgate production

Milk Utilisation

• Cheese – 39%
• Skim milk powder/butter – 22%
• Drinking milk – 32%
• Whole milk powder – 4%
• Other – 3%

Production Of Main Commodities

• Cheese – 371,131 tonnes
• Milk Powders – 185,316 tonnes
• Butter (CBE) – 72,548 tonnes

Dairy – Major Export Industry

• $3.4 billion

Percentage Of Australian Milk Production Exported

• 29 per cent

Major Markets For Australian Dairy Products (Tonnes)

• Japan – 86,269
• Greater China – 244,460
• Singapore – 73,984
• Malaysia – 61,858
• Indonesia – 51,843

Per Capita Consumption

• Drinking milk – 97 lts
• Cheese – 13.6 kgs

Dairy Industry Workforce

• Direct employment of 43,500

Info via Dairy Australia