June is National Dairy Month

Wisconsin dairy farmers have dedicated their lives to delivering high-quality and sustainably made products for communities around the globe. The real heart of ‘America’s Dairyland’ is dairy farmers who constantly innovate to deliver delicious nutrient-rich milk, artisan cheese, yogurt and ice cream. At the same time, they deeply appreciate their connection to the land and animals in their care and work hard to preserve their heritage, leading the way for the next generation. See how these Wisconsin dairy farmers are creating legacies not just for themselves, but their state and communities.

Put the boring recipes away this summer and opt for a flavorful, fun and nutritious picnic basket or potluck featuring Wisconsin dairy.

The impact of Wisconsin dairy is undeniable. With more farms than any other state, dedicated dairy farmers who act as servants of their communities, land and animals, and of course, the freshest products in the land, there’s a lot to celebrate during National Dairy Month and all year long. 

Economic Impact 

• Wisconsin’s dairy industry creates 157,000 jobs, and every dollar generated by this industry produces another $1.73 in additional revenue for the state.
• Wisconsin dairy generates more than $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy – more than the combined total of Florida citrus and Idaho potatoes.

Nutrition 

• Dairy foods provide a unique nutrient profile that helps people of all ages achieve greater health and wellness, a great reason to celebrate National Dairy Month. From calcium to potassium, real dairy products like milk contain 13 immunity-boosting nutrients including Vitamins A and D, zinc and protein.
• The protein contained in dairy provides a perfect ‘pick me up’ so you can perform your best during National Dairy Month.

Sustainable Farming 

• In America, the dairy industry is responsible for only about 2% of total greenhouse gas emissions and has recently adopted a goal to reduce that even further by 2050.
• The U.S. dairy community is committed to achieving greenhouse gas neutrality, optimizing water use while maximizing recycling and improving water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients by 2050.  
• Sustainability is more than a buzzword – it’s how dairy farmers have been around for generations. Wisconsin dairy farmers strive to conserve and improve the environment by incorporating sustainability best practices from recycling water and crop rotation to anaerobic digesters that produce enough energy to power farms and local communities. 
• Wisconsin has over 40 dairy-farmer-led watershed groups that work hard to protect thousands of acres of land and water for future generations. Farmers care about water quality – from the water their families drink to the lakes and rivers they enjoy.

History of National Dairy Month

• Dairy farming has been a main pillar of Wisconsin’s economy for more than 180 years.
• National Dairy Month started out as National Milk Month in 1937 to promote drinking milk. In 1939, June Dairy Month became the official title of the promotion and focused on greater use of milk and other dairy products.
• National Dairy Month is an annual tradition that celebrates the contributions the dairy industry makes to the state and the world. In Wisconsin, we celebrate National Dairy Month bigger than anywhere else with on-farm breakfast events and enjoyment of the world’s best dairy products.