Department of Agriculture
Supporting Arkansas farmers and ranchers while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of Arkansas, the nation, and across the globe
Arkansas Dairy Recruitment Initiative
Arkansas Wants Your Dairy
Milk is Arkansas's official state drink! Dairy products include fluid beverage milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt, dry milk products, condensed milk, and whey products.
Many areas of Arkansas are excellent locations for dairy farm operations. Arkansas has some of the most competitive utility rates in the region and the country. We are also known for a friendly regulatory structure for operations and growth.
Find resources here including inspection and regulatory information, quick links to veterinarians and service providers, as well as fact sheets and updates to equip current dairy farmers and those interested in moving dairy operations to the Natural State.
Why Arkansas?
Centered between Canada and Mexico, and located in the middle of the United States, Arkansas is strategically placed to reach tens of millions of people easily and cost efficiently. Our unemployment rate consistently ranks below the national average, and 44 campuses of higher learning result in an educated workforce enriched by long-term training and primed for 21st Century challenges.
On any given day in Arkansas, we're curating the world's largest private database and operating one of the nation's largest truckload carriers, while commanding the world's dominant retail empire. Home to six Fortune 500 companies and more than 141 international corporations, Arkansas is an industry melting pot from which one success builds on another.
The more you know Arkansas, the better the opportunity for your business. We invite you to explore more about our state and its potential for you at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Want a comprehensive summary of Arkansas? Download the 2018 Arkansas Economic Overview.
Arkansas Dairy Inspection Requirements
The Milk Program of the Arkansas Department of Health conducts monthly inspections of dairy farms, milk plants, single service plants and ice cream plants
- Arkansas Milk Program and Dairy Inspections Overview
- Analyzing Arkansas's Raw Milk Law
- Pasturized Milk Ordinance
Arkansas Dairy Regulations
Dairy operations in Arkansas with liquid waste management systems are covered by an individual No-Discharge permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) under Regulation 5.
A dairy operation with fewer than 100 cows and a dry waste management system (Dry Stack System) will not be required to obtain a permit from ADEQ. However, the Natural Resources Divison will provide these dry operations with a Nutrient Management Plan.
A full overview of Arkansas Dairy Facilities Permitting Requirements and a Regulation 5 Permit are provided below.
- Dairy Facilities Permitting Requirements in Arkansas (23.15 KB)
- Regulation 5 Requirements for Liquid Animal Waste Systems
Dairy Data and Fact Sheets
Resources
- Arkansas Feed Dealers (43.31 KB)
- Dairy at a Glance Data (Dairy Market News)
- Dairy Service Providers (157.67 KB)
- Find an Active Veterinarian Near You
Dairy News
- USDA Dairy Margin Coverage Program PSA (1.89 MB)
- Advanced Prices & Pricing Factors by USDA
- Class and Component Prices Report by USDA
- National Dairy Products Sales Report by USDA
- National Dairy Products Sales Report by USDA
- Press Release: USDA Reopens Enrollment for Improved Dairy Safety Net Tool
- University of Arkansas Information & Resources
