June is recognized as National Dairy Month. Initially created as National Milk Month in 1937 to promote the consumption of dairy products, National Dairy Month has evolved into an annual tradition that recognizes the dairy industry and celebrates the nutrient-rich products that it provides to consumers worldwide.
Since the early 1900s, America’s dairy industry has grown significantly, making many scientific advances including the process of commercial pasteurization, the addition of automated milking machines, modernization of packaging, and much more. In the 2015 Fresno County Annual Crop & Livestock Report, the dairy industry was valued at $436.77 million, ranking as the sixth crop in the county.
“Dairy is a critical part of Valley agriculture and FCFB is proud to celebrate the men and women who produce this nutritious 
crop,” said Ryan Jacobsen, FCFB CEO.
California Milk Facts:
- California has been the nation’s leading dairy state since 1993 when it surpassed Wisconsin in milk production. California is ranked first in the U.S. in the production of total milk, butter, ice cream, nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate. California is second in cheese production. (CDFA)
- In 2016, California produced 40.4 billion pounds of milk – more than one-fifth of the nation’s total production. (CDFA)
- Dairy farming is a leading agricultural commodity in California, producing $6.2 billion in annual retail sales in 2016. (CDFA)
- Currently, there are more than 1,300 California dairy families, whose farms house 1.74 million milk cows. (CDFA)
- Around 33 percent of the total U.S. exports of dairy products come from California. (CDFA)
For more California milk facts and information about National Dairy Month, visit www.realcaliforniamilk.com.