North Dakota dairy farm plans new processing plant

A North Dakota dairy farm plans to build a new milk processing plant, aiming to start construction in June. This development comes as the state’s dairy industry faces challenges, including rising transportation costs due to processor closures. The North Dakota House Agriculture Committee is considering Senate Bill 2342, which would offer grants for new processing plants. The bill aims to attract milk processors to the state, with a proposed grant covering 5% of the plant's cost, up to $10 million. Currently, North Dakota's dairy industry has significantly declined, with only 23 permitted dairy farms remaining. The new processing plant could help local farmers by providing a market for their milk and potentially increasing production in the state.