OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A live webcast from a working dairy farm is planned for World Milk Day on June 1, serving to help usher in Dairy Month – a celebration of the nation’s dairy farm families that has spanned more than 75 years.

 

World Milk Day was initiated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001 to shine a spotlight on milk’s role in a balanced, healthy diet, and the milk industry’s global economic presence.

Held each year since 1937, June Dairy Month continues to recognize dairy’s positive impact on nutrition and the planet, including commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Known from 1937-38 as National Milk Month and observed from June 10-July 10, Dairy Month is now observed in June to recognize the estimated 1 billion workers worldwide who derive their livelihoods from the industry.

Regional dairy groups such as the Midwest Dairy Assoc. (MDA) spend months in preparation for June events, coordinating with livestock producers, media and the public to spread dairy’s word and increase awareness of events in their regions.

“We’re working to make sure the public knows about World Milk Day and June Dairy Month, and for part of that we plan to go live from a dairy farm on Thursday, June 1, in celebration of World Milk Day,” said Samantha Carter, director of integrated communications for MDA, from its Overland Park office.

“Leading up to that, we are rallying our dairy fans and followers and encouraging our farmers, retailers and processors to become involved.”

The live webcast, which will originate from a Minnesota Holstein farm, can be viewed at www.MidwestDairy.com An acknowledgement of the nation’s dairy producers must include recognition of their hard work in minimizing the impact on the environment, including recycling practices resulting in water and energy conservation, according to MDA.

“June is a time when we can show our appreciation for the 7,400 dairy farmers in the Midwest,” said CEO Lucas Lentsch. “Dairy farmers demonstrate the highest commitment to producing nutritious milk while protecting the land on which they live and work, as well as fund research that leads to dairy product innovation.”

Producers’ associations in several states have organized events around World Milk Day and June Dairy Month; a roundup of several states’ events can be accessed at the MDA website. Producers’ groups can place notice of their Dairy Month events on the site by emailing their producers’ service center at psc@ MidwestDairy.com

Dairy Month 2017 arrives for producers at a time when consumers are paying historically low prices for their products in the supermarket.

Milk producers have faced negative economic profit margins from the low cost of milk since at least 2015, according to University of Illinois agricultural economists.

Though she interacts primarily with consumers in her role at MDA, Carter is impressed with the resilience and optimism shown by today’s producers, especially those who have witnessed many cycles of economic profit and loss.

“Milk prices are currently very challenging, but what I’m seeing from our producers is an upbeat attitude. What I admire most is their passion in sharing their stories about what they do on the farm with the public, despite the price of milk right now. It is very inspiring how they continue to get dairy’s message out to the public in such a positive manner,” she said.

“What’s important for consumers to know is that they can still get a safe, healthy and nutritious product in dairy at their supermarket for their families. The importance of that message does not change with prices, and producers are aware of that.” 

 

For those looking to spread the dairy industry’s message during June, MDA recommends attending a local event – such as a sponsored farm breakfast – or meeting a dairy farm family online through the MDA website. Families can also participate by taking the “Dairy 3 For Me” pledge to enjoy three servings of dairy every day.

“If the readers of Farm World are looking for ideas to get involved in June Dairy Month and World Milk Day, we also love to see their videos on their Facebook pages and see how they let the public know they should enjoy a glass of chocolate or regular milk sometime throughout the day,” Carter added.

For more dairy recipes, nutrition and farming information, go online to www.MidwestDairy.com