South Dakota Dairy Processing Guide for Food Entrepreneurs

Thursday, August 17, 2023

When delving into South Dakota's dairy world, there are regulations every food entrepreneur should know. Whether it's Grade A or Grade B products, understanding these can pave the way for success.

For Grade A milk products, pasteurization is a must in South Dakota. This applies not only to cow's milk but also includes goat's milk, cream varieties, powdered milk, yogurt, whey products, and more. So, if you're thinking about selling Grade A products, ensure you're permitted by the state.

The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) sets the benchmark for Grade A fluid milk. The PMO addresses numerous aspects of dairy production, from sanitation requirements to drug residue testing. Adhering to PMO might be a steep hill to climb for some due to its exhaustive capital and documentation requirements.

But don't worry! Entrepreneurs have two main paths:

Become PMO Compliant: This is a hefty investment. Adhering to PMO means ensuring equipment, utilities, and grounds are up to standard. It also demands documented food safety programs.

Pursue Co-Manufacturing: This lets entrepreneurs partner with an already PMO-compliant company, saving on initial costs. To explore this, reaching out to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SD DANR) for a list of compliant milk plants is a great starting point.

Switching gears to Grade B milk – it's typically used in products like cheese and ice cream. To process Grade B milk, producers should be aligned with ARSD 12:17 standards.

One unique aspect of South Dakota's dairy scene is raw milk hard cheese. The state allows its production without pasteurization, as long as the cheese is cured for at least 60 days at specific temperatures. Always check with the DANR for detailed requirements.

Whether you're dipping your toes into Grade A or Grade B dairy processing in South Dakota, being well-informed can make the journey smoother. The dairy horizon is vast, but with the right knowledge, it's navigable.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm