This study based on empirical data from the dairy industry in Gansu Province from 2019 to 2024,revealed its developmental characteristics of "simultaneous scale expansion and structural optimization,coexisting with cost pressures and market bottlenecks" through industrial chain analysis and policy evaluation. The research indicated that leveraging the advantage of the "Golden Milk Source Belt," Gansu Province saw its dairy cattle inventory increase to 383 000 heads （average annual growth of 4.5%） and milk production surge to 1.163 million tons （average annual growth of 21.7%）by 2024. The scale operation rate reached 81%,forming five major advantage production areas and a "Ganwei" brand matrix. However,cost-price inversion,overcapacity,and weak consumption constrain the sustainable development of the industry. Accordingly,this study proposed countermeasures and suggestions such as industrial chain integration,policy coordination,technology empowerment,and demand stimulation,aiming to provide theoretical reference and practical pathways for the high-quality development of the dairy industry in cold and arid regions of Northwest China.

Gansu Province  /  dairy industry  /  cost-price inversion  /  industrial chain integration