National Dairy Month

Wisconsin dairy farmers take great pride in their long-standing tradition of creating delicious and nutritious products for dairy lovers around the world. They value family tradition yet are constantly evolving and innovating to move the industry forward and maintain the state’s position as a leader in the global dairy industry.  They work tirelessly to produce products that are good for you and made with care for the planet. See how these Wisconsin dairy farmers are leading the way.

Looking to elevate your meals with easy, beautiful, nutritious dairy recipes? Look no further. Here are some dairy delicious recipes to help you celebrate dairy every month in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin has the most dairy farms out of any state in the nation and makes a significant impact as a leader in the global dairy industry. Keep reading to find the latest stats and facts to help round out your dairy industry stories:

Economic Impact 

• Wisconsin dairy farmers work with cheesemakers to craft over 600 varieties, types and styles of Wisconsin cheese, creating half of the nation's specialty cheese. 
• The Wisconsin dairy industry generates a $45.6 billion economic impact, $1.26 billion in state and local taxes, and 154,000 jobs for the state annually.  
• There are nearly 6,500 dairy farms in Wisconsin and 95% are family owned.
• Wisconsin dairy products are enjoyed by more than 300 million consumers around the world.
• These sources will provide additional details about Wisconsin’s dairy farms, cheese and a breakdown of the economic impact by county.  

Nutrition 

• Dairy foods like milk and cheese are a natural source of immune-boosting nutrients needed for overall wellness. In fact – there are 13 essential nutrients found in milk including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, zinc and protein. 
• The protein in dairy – whey and casein – keeps you feeling full longer, provides energy to fuel your day and helps muscles recover while you sleep. 
• Fermented dairy foods like yogurt are linked to health benefits including reduced inflammation, improved digestive health and healthy immune systems. 
• Milk offers a unique and powerful combination of essential nutrients – like Vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, calcium and protein – that are essential for immunity, cognitive development and performance. 

Sustainable Farming 

• The carbon footprint of a glass of milk is two-thirds less than it was 70 years ago, yet it still has the same nutritional benefits and great taste. 
• Wisconsin has over 28 dairy-farmer-led watershed groups that protect hundreds of thousands of acres of land and water. 
• Producing a gallon of milk has 19% less greenhouse gas emissions than it did in 2007. That’s equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere by half a million acres of U.S. Forest every year. 
• Thanks to the dairy community’s focus on sustainability, dairy farmers have shrunk their carbon footprint by 20%, and use 21% less land and 31% less water per gallon of milk than just three years ago.  

Female Farmers 

• 2017 U.S. census data shows a 16% increase in the number of female farmers in Wisconsin, just over 38,500; women make up 35% of all producers in the state. 
• Women landowners and farmers are a growing demographic. Many of them are leading local, state and national organizations such as Dairy Girl Network, Wisconsin Women in Conservation, Dairy Business Association, and Animal Agriculture Alliance.

History of National Dairy Month

• Dairy farming has been a 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.