Month-Long Recognition Highlighting the Innumerable Contributions of the U.S. Dairy Farmer
Every year the month of June signifies the end of the school year and the beginning of summer vacation for most American families, but for dairy farmers it takes on a more significant meaning. This June will mark the 86th year celebrating the contributions dairy farmers, their cows and the entire dairy industry give to communities.
Initially, the dairy industry coined the month of June as “National Milk Month” and the angle was to connect consumers with ice cold milk during one of the hottest months of the year. The month-long celebration has evolved into a month filled with highlights encompassing every aspect of the dairy industry.
Dairy farmers have long been known for their tireless efforts in providing nutritious meals to schools, families and communities. Recognizing the year-round intensive labor put forth by our dairy farmers to provide this nutrition, while also being great stewards of the environment, is what National Dairy Month is all about.
“I have seen firsthand the sacrifice our farmers make in order to provide their communities with a vital source of nutrition,” said Todd Green, vice president of industry image and relations for Dairy MAX. “On this 86th year recognizing National Dairy Month, I think it is important we honor the determination and resiliency of every farmer and the critical role they play in our daily lives.”
For the month of June, Dairy MAX, a non-profit dairy council representing more than 900 dairy farm families across eight states, will honor and recognize the tenacious heart of the dairy farmer and their commitment to their animals, their land and their communities.
Understanding natural resources is essential to everything dairy farmers do, they continuously seek ways to give more than they use, paving the way for future generations of farmers. The role of the dairy farmer is vital and Dairy MAX plans to honor the annual month-long event by amplifying the importance of this industry and the admirable practices farmers have adopted along the way in their efforts to ensure future generations have access to the same nutrition.
“We take pride in providing nutritious food to communities while being good stewards of the land,” said Mary Kraft, Dairy MAX chairman of the board and a Colorado dairy farmer. “National Dairy Month is not only a month to honor dairy farmers, but to recognize everyone who supports the dairy industry.”
Aside from providing cost-efficient, nutritious food, the dairy industry also creates jobs and stimulates our local economies. For decades dairy farms have provided a significant source of income for families across the world. Over three million U.S. jobs are created by the dairy industry, generating around $41.6 billion in direct wages, proving the multi-faceted dairy industry is not only beneficial to our health, but to our economy as well.
Join us this June as people across the nation give well-deserved applause to the dairy industry for providing a safe source of nutrition, caring for their animals, preserving the land and leaving a legacy that showcases the grit and determination of the American farmer. Visit DairyMAX.org or DairyDiscoveryZone.com to learn more and find additional resources to honor our farmers during National Dairy Month.
See What We're Sharing During National Dairy Month
- State Fact Sheets
- 13 Reasons Milk is Essential
- Farm to Table
- Sustainable Nutrition
- Virtual Farm Experience
- Cowherd Crossword
- Udderly Fine Word Find
- Shake-It-Up Word Search
- Sunshine Smoothie
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Grandma's Easy Cherry Cobbler
- Industry Facts
- Dairy Tour 360 Virtual Farm Experience
- Dairy Up Close
- Dairy Recipes
Community Engagement Resources
- National Dairy Month Press Release
- National Dairy Month Press Release Template
- Sample Proclamation
- Farm Safety Tips
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