Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has named High Desert Milk in Burley, Idaho as the Small Business of the Month for December 2018. High Desert Milk will be recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

“Idaho is a leading dairy producer, and because of the hard work of our small dairy farms and processors like High Desert Milk, we have a global reputation as a reliable and exceptional source of dairy,” said Chairman Risch. “Producing millions of pounds of butter, powdered milk, and buttermilk powder annually, High Desert Milk is known for their high-quality product. Their partnership with 23 local, family-owned dairies has allowed their operation to support 70,000 acres of farmland and more than 1,000 jobs. They have maintained active leadership in their industry, and given back generously to their community through sponsorships and scholarships to athletes, students, and employees, while also hosting annual charity fundraisers. I am proud to award this dedicated, community-driven business as Small Business of the Month.” 

High Desert Milk was founded in 2001 as a collaborative effort by six dairy producers who wanted to improve the industry for future farmers. In opening their doors, High Desert Milk’s goal was to create a more efficient dairy industry. They were successful in doing so, making it necessary in 2008 and again in 2013 to expand their operation in order to successfully meet the demands of a growing market and world. Growing from 30 to 150 employees, High Desert Milk has created jobs, strengthened its industry, and set higher standards for product in its rural community of Burley, Idaho and in dairy communities in the United States. Through their determination to help strengthen an industry, they have been honored as one of the top 100 dairy operations in America. 

The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship oversees proposed legislation on matters relating to entrepreneurship and provides oversight of the Small Business Administration. The committee also researches, investigates and reports all problems relating to America’s small businesses to the full Senate. As Chairman, Risch has honored America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Senate each month.