Cathy Isom tells us why we recognize National Dairy Month in June. That story is ahead on This Land of Ours.
National Dairy Month
From: USDA
Let the Good Times Flow for National Dairy Month!
by Dana Coale, Deputy Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Dairy Program
June is an eventful and versatile month—the start of warm summer days, school vacations, and holidays like Father’s Day and Flag Day. We also celebrate many unusual observances in June such as Heimlich Maneuver Day, National Yo-Yo Day, and National Donut Day. But who can enjoy a donut without a nice, cold glass of milk? June is the perfect month to combine the two as USDA joins the rest of the country in celebrating National Dairy Month.
For more than 75 years, we have celebrated dairy and all of its goodness during June. What started out as National Milk Month in 1937 to promote milk consumption and stabilize the dairy demand has turned into a month-long celebration and tradition that acknowledges the dairy industry’s contributions to the United States and around the world.
Dairy has played an important role in America’s history since before the Revolutionary War, but it was not until the early 1900’s that the U.S. dairy industry began to change dramatically. Many scientific advances and processes radically changed the industry, including pasteurization, the development of the centrifugal separator that removes milkfat and allows the manufacturing of more dairy products, and the Babcock test that determines milk fat content. When it comes to dairy products, our country has a rich history. The versatility of dairy products makes it easy to participate in this month-long celebration. The National Dairy Council has some great recipes for dairy-based foods.
Whether you’re serving cheese at a family graduation party or wedding or just eating yogurt every morning, you are supporting our country’s dairy farmers and getting many nutritional benefits. Studies have demonstrated the positive role milk plays in children’s development. Consuming low-fat and fat-free milk and dairy products also provides important protein for adults, reduces the risk of bone disease and fractures, and may help reduce the risk of getting cavities.