It turns out that a map has become the most popular thing we’ve done here at Ever.Ag Insights.
Dr. Michael Dykes sharing one of Ever.Ag’s maps at the Danone Dairy Forum, 2025
More specifically, in 2022, we produced a US map identifying all planned dairy capacity investments for the next few years. We used different colors to identify what people were building – a cheese plant here, a fluid bottling plant there, and so on. When we started using the map in presentations, I noticed many people taking out their phones and snapping photos. We’d get emails afterward requesting copies of the map. Several clients and friends asked if they could use the map in their presentations and publications. We update the map regularly. It’s become something of a phenomenon.
In my estimation, at least three factors drive the map’s popularity.
First, it offers a quick, clear view of what’s happening in the US dairy industry. We’ve always believed that powerful visuals add value to any story, and we’ve invested in talented people to help create great “looks” for clients. It’s a visually compelling image.
Second, it’s comprehensive. Gathering and cataloging the underlying data takes knowledge, effort, and organization. We’ve spent years building our “dairy plant database” and are always alert for the latest updates. I’m sure other people have various plant lists, but we keep ours front and center because everyone wants to see the latest map within a few days of new capacity investment announcements.
Third, it tells a positive story. All the dots and colors and names depict a healthy industry, perhaps even thriving. People and companies wouldn’t be investing billions of dollars in new infrastructure if they didn’t believe in a bright future for the US dairy industry. Things are happening in the US, whether it’s about product innovation, building a stronger export platform or some other factor. And I don’t believe we see anything as big or exciting anywhere else in the world.
“The Map” now has a few spinoffs: a “planned plant closure” version and a “cheese plant only” version. We’ll keep making and distributing them as long as clients find value in the work and the visuals. Consider the suggestion box open!
Click here to download your own maps.