Final answer:
Dairy farming is concentrated in areas with reliable summer grass because it is essential for feeding dairy cows when grazing is not feasible. These regions have a climate that supports grass growth and are often near population centers to meet demand and manage the perishability of milk. Market forces, land availability, and proximity to cities dictate the distribution of dairy farming in the US.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement of reliable summer grass for dairying explains why dairy farming is often concentrated in particular districts. These areas typically have the climate and resources to grow grass effectively during the summer, which is crucial for feeding dairy cows, especially in the winter when they cannot graze in fields. Hay farming, a key component of the dairy industry, is thus found in these regions, ensuring a steady supply of feed. Major dairy regions in the United States, such as the Northeast, Great Lakes, and California, highlight the relationship between dairy farms, local demand, and proximity to population centers.
California, despite its varied climate and environmental conditions, stands out as the top milk-producing state. The location of dairy farming operations near large cities, within established milksheds, ensures that the perishable nature of milk aligns with market demand and logistics. For instance, UC Davis's study adopts sustainable grazing management practices to maintain soil health and ecological functions, benefiting both ranching and dairying. Contrastingly, cattle ranching generally dominates in less agriculturally productive regions where raising crops like corn and soybeans is not viable.
Overall, the distribution of dairy farms across the US is influenced not only by agricultural suitability but also by market forces and logistical considerations. The push and pull of various factors, such as land availability, climate, and proximity to cities, shape the American agricultural landscape, influencing where dairy farms and associated hay farming operations are located.