The term refers to the geographic region from which a city or population center obtains its milk supply. This area encompasses the farms and processing facilities that contribute to the distribution network serving the specified urban area. As an example, a large metropolitan area will typically have a more extensive zone of milk production than a smaller town, reflecting the higher demand and greater logistical challenges of supplying a larger population.
The size and characteristics of this zone are influenced by factors such as transportation costs, refrigeration technology, and government regulations. Historically, the perimeter was limited by the distance milk could be transported without spoiling. Advances in refrigeration and transportation have significantly expanded these zones, allowing for the sourcing of milk from more distant locations. The economic viability of dairy farming within a particular area, along with related policies regarding dairy production, also plays a critical role in shaping this supply region.
