Goat Milk

Is the United States’ dairy industry on the brink of a new golden age of dairy trade? The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) thinks so.

Industry Growth Fueled by Strategic Investments – The U.S. dairy industry, a vital economic engine supporting over 3.2 million jobs and contributing nearly $800 billion to the national economy, is poised for sustainable growth. According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the industry has committed over $8 billion to expanding processing capacities, expected to come online in the coming years.

Record Exports Fuel Optimism – The optimism is fueled by new data from the USDA revealing that U.S. dairy exports reached $8.2 billion in 2024, marking the second-highest total in history. These exports saw an increase of $223 million from the previous year, with Mexico and Canada as the top trading partners, accounting for over 40% of total exports and achieving new value records.

Challenges and Strategic Priorities – However, challenges remain. China and Southeast Asia including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia imports have dropped to their lowest levels since 2020, highlighting a need for strategic trade policies. IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes emphasized the necessity of a trade agenda prioritizing market access and equitable conditions.

“To truly lead the global dairy market, we need trade deals that enhance market access and address existing barriers,” stated Dykes.

Future Opportunities for Expansion – Today, approximately one day’s worth of milk produced on America’s dairy farms each week is exported, or roughly 18% of all production. As U.S. milk production continues to increase over the next decade, expanding markets will become even more vital to ensure the global competitiveness of the industry and to boost the American economy.

The U.S. is currently the third-largest global dairy exporter, following New Zealand and the European Union. As production continues to rise, expanding international markets will be crucial for maintaining competitiveness and supporting economic growth. The IDFA suggests that with strategic trade agreements, American dairy could reshape the global market landscape for decades.

“Overall, U.S. dairy exports are performing well, but we can do more,” Dykes concluded.

“With new trade agreements that remove obstacles and increase market access, we wouldn’t just break records — we would redefine the global dairy landscape for decades to come.”

 

You may be surprised at the many Parmesan Cheese benefits you can enjoy when you eat this dairy delight in moderation.

What is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan cheese, also known as Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard variety of cheese that can be made from cow’s milk or goat’s milk. It is known for its salty and nutty flavor. It is a popular flavor addition in Italian cuisine. The authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is specifically acquired from certain regions of Italy and it lasts for over a year.

Is Parmesan Cheese Gluten Free?

Since Parmigiano Reggiano or parmesan is a dairy product, it qualifies the test of being gluten-free. Although make sure you check the nutrition label while buying this cheese, as sometimes during the production and manufacturing process, there can be gluten contamination.

Parmesan Cheese Nutrition

According to USDA Nutrition Data, parmesan is a good source of water, energy, total lipids, fiber, and sugar. It is also rich in various minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. When it comes to vitamins, it has a rich supply of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin b12, and vitamin A, E, D, and K.

• Calories: A one-cup serving of parmesan cheese contains 431 calories.
• Carbs: A single cup contains 4 grams of carbs and 38 grams of protein.

Benefits of Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese has several health benefits and is touted as the superfood of cheeses. However, parmesan also contains a lot of salt, which people on low-sodium diets should keep in mind.

Calcium

Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of calcium, giving you more than a day’s worth in a single cup serving. Dietary calcium, along with protein and vitamin D, is crucial to gaining healthy bone mass. It also promotes heart health and strong teeth and prevents blood clotting.

Calcium is also an important part of muscle growth and health. According to a study published in Clinical Cases in Mineral and Bone Metabolism, conducted by Barbara Pampaloni et al., thanks to the artisanal and exclusive method of producing Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, it is one of the best dietary options for calcium uptake and easy digestion

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is known for promoting strong eyesight and low light vision. However, it is also critical for the development of strong, dense bones, a healthy immune system, and it may even lower your risk for certain cancers. It helps maintain your white blood cell count and boosts your immune system. It is also an important nutrient for reproductive health.

Protein

Parmesan is an excellent source of protein, with 20 grams in a 2-ounce serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair and also aids [4] in weight loss regimens.