[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      RECOGNIZING HIGH DESERT MILK

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, agriculture has always been of 
outsized importance to my home State of Idaho. Dairy farming has always 
had a presence in the State and has grown considerably over the past 
several years, and agricultural co-ops play a vital role in making sure 
our State's agricultural products make it to market. As the chairman of 
the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my 
distinct privilege to recognize High Desert Milk as the Small Business 
of the Month for December 2018. High Desert Milk is committed to 
building longlasting relationships and providing opportunities for 
dairy farmers across, southern Idaho.
  Located on the banks of the Snake River in Burley, ID, High Desert 
Milk is a cooperative partnership, committed to serving its farmer-
owners while also remaining flexible in a competitive market. Founded 
in 2001, High Desert sought to create a more efficient dairy market for 
local farmers. In 2008, High Desert opened a purpose-built milk 
dehydration plant which is capable of processing up to 2.2 million 
pounds of milk per day. In 2013, the company was able to expand its 
operations and began producing butter to meet increased demand in the 
United States. From an initial team of 30 employees, High Desert Milk 
has grown into a multimillion-dollar operation with over 150 full-time 
employees. In 17 short years, High Desert Milk has become a fixture in 
the community by providing reliable milk pickup services and 
professional milk marketing.
  Presently, High Desert Milk works with 23 family-owned dairies across 
70,000 acres of southern Idaho farmland. The company's operations 
support more than 1,000 related dairy jobs in the area. Annually, the 
company produces almost 60 million pounds of powdered milk, more than 
40 million pounds of butter, and 4 million pounds of buttermilk powder. 
High Desert Milk's products are shipped all across the country and all 
over the world. The company has a reputation for meeting and even 
exceeding U.S. Department of Agriculture and customer standards due to 
careful technician monitoring during processing. High Desert Milk has 
been named one of the top 100 dairy operations in the United States due 
to its cleanliness, high quality control standards, and good 
relationships with its members.
  Despite its worldwide presence, High Desert Milk is still a local 
Idaho company with close ties to Burley and rural southern Idaho. High 
Desert Milk has a positive presence in the area and takes an active 
role in its community. The company hosts several annual charity 
fundraisers, including an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer 
Society. The company also supports local 4-H and Future Farmers of 
America clubs and even sponsors an annual high school-age rodeo. These 
community-building practices aim to encourage youth to take an interest 
in their local communities and to encourage them to seek careers in 
Idaho's vibrant agricultural industry. Each year, High Desert Milk 
presents talented local high school students with scholarships to 
continue their education. The generous scholarship program encourages 
students to excel in the fields of agribusiness and dairy science. 
Scholarships are also made available to High Desert employees who want 
to continue their studies.
  High Desert Milk's tenacious commitment to its member-farmers and 
community is preparing the way for a new generation of Idaho dairy 
farmers and entrepreneurs. The company's commitment to quality and 
efficiency while building a positive relationship with their members 
and community is a perfect example of Idaho's entrepreneurial spirit. 
The company has become an economic anchor in southern Idaho, creating 
new market opportunities for local farmers and providing jobs for local 
community members.
  I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to High Desert Milk 
and all its farmer-members for being named the Small Business of the 
Month for December 2018. I wish you all the best of luck, and I look 
forward to watching your continued growth and success.

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