### **Bel Brands USA: A Catalyst for South Dakota’s Dairy Boom**
BROOKINGS — **Bel Brands USA is embarking on a significant expansion** of its Brookings facility, solidifying South Dakota’s position as one of the nation’s **fastest-growing dairy states**. This ambitious development will see a **100,000-square-foot addition**, effectively doubling the plant’s production capacity, generating new job opportunities, and necessitating an influx of **10,000 additional dairy cows**.
### **Significant Production Increase**
> “This expansion will require approximately **650,000 pounds of additional milk per day**,” explains Jacob Anderson, plant director at Bel Brands USA. “We anticipate **160 new team members** joining our Brookings family.”
Financed with a **$2.57 million Reinvestment Payment Program grant** from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, this initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing **rural job creation** and promoting **value-added agriculture**.
### **A Testament to Stability**
Jacob Anderson lauds the region’s dairy growth, stating, “The last time I checked, South Dakota **was the fastest-growing dairy state** in the country.” This expansion not only underscores the stability of the **dairy sector but also highlights Bel Brands’ commitment to sourcing locally**, with milk sourced from within a mere **20 miles** of the facility.
### **Historical Context of Dairy Growth in South Dakota**
Tom Peterson, executive director of the South Dakota Dairy Producers, reflects on the transformation of this industry. “Back around 2000, milk cow numbers were at a historic low of **fewer than 80,000 cows**,” he comments. “Collaborative efforts among leaders and stakeholders devised a plan not only to ensure the survival of dairy in South Dakota but to create a **dairy destination for the state**.”
This long-term vision has resulted in the dairy industry now contributing significantly to the state’s economy, generating **$1.1 billion** in wages and contributing **$164.4 million in federal tax revenue** and **$80.7 million in state tax revenue**. Remarkably, dairy currently accounts for **11%** of the state’s GDP, supporting **15,000 jobs**, including **4,156 direct jobs** and **10,806 indirect jobs**.
### **Collaboration is Key**
Peterson elaborates on the success attributed to the **synergetic relationships** between dairy producers, processors, and state leadership: “Processor investment was a crucial first step to achieving this growth, and the cows followed shortly after.”
### **A Vision for the Future: Gov. Larry Rhoden’s Perspective**
During his visit to the Brookings plant on April 8, as part of his **“Open for Opportunity”** tour, Gov. Larry Rhoden emphasized the importance of such projects, declaring, “Expansions like those undertaken by Bel Brands are pivotal for our dairy industry and agriculture at large, ensuring it thrives for generations.”
Brookings stands as a vital hub for various growing dairy operations and **value-added agricultural businesses**. With its headquarters in Chicago, Bel Brands creates beloved products such as **BabyBel** and **Laughing Cow**, all while emphasizing local sourcing to bolster rural economies.
### **Future Prospects in Dairy Industry Growth**
As construction progresses and the demand for milk continues to escalate, Bel Brands’ investment embodies **years of careful planning** and serves as a **catalyst for the next phase of South Dakota’s dairy evolution**.
> “There’s still a **lot of optimism** surrounding the dairy sector in South Dakota,” Peterson concludes. “While growth may stabilize some from its recent trajectory, we expect a steady, balanced advancement into the future.”
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For further insights into South Dakota’s growing dairy industry, you might explore resources on [Dairy Producers of South Dakota](http://www.sddairyproducers.com/) or the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development initiatives.
### **About the Author**
Kennedy is a dedicated reporter for Sioux Falls Live based out of Brookings, focusing on the people and issues pertinent to Northeast South Dakota. Born and raised on an organic crop farm near Estelline, she contributes to AgWeek and holds a degree in agricultural communication from South Dakota State University.
