Celebrate June Dairy Month!
June 14, 2017
By Midwest Dairy
More than 75 years since the annual celebration began, June Dairy Month continues to recognize dairy products and the farmers who produce them. The festivities kicked off with World Milk Day on June 1. World Milk Day marked the importance of milk as part of a healthy and balanced diet and the dairy industry’s global contributions to economic development and agriculture, including the 1 billion people who derive their livelihood from it, as well its commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. Throughout the month, people, companies and communities will continue to recognize dairy’s positive impact on nutrition and the planet.
The 2015 Dietary Guidelines affirm dairy’s important place in the diet in its recommendation that people ages nine and older consume three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods every day. Dairy products including milk, cheese and yogurt provide important nutrition to families, including a high-quality protein which supports healthy muscles and promotes fullness. Additionally, with only three ingredients listed on the label – milk and vitamins A and D – and about a 48-hour journey from the farm to the grocery store, milk is a local food which fits easily into the clean eating trend!
Dairy’s contribution to healthy eating would not be possible without the people behind the dairy products: dairy farmers. Dairy farmers work hard to minimize their impact on the environment, consistently focusing on recycling practices so that they use as little water and energy as possible in the daily management of their farms.
Midwest Dairy is offering the following ways for you to celebrate June Dairy Month:
- Get to know a Midwest dairy farm family by attending a June Dairy Month event (listed below) or meeting a Midwest dairy farm family online.
- Take the Dairy 3 For Me pledge where you commit to enjoy three servings of dairy every day.
- Include dairy as part of meals and snacks.
Upcoming Iowa Events for June Dairy Month
Breakfast on the Farm at Iowa’s Dairy Center
June 17 – 8:30 a.m.- Noon
Calmar, Iowa
Enjoy Dad’s Waffles, farm tours of the Dairy Center, meet calves or milk a cow, educational exhibits and see robots milk cows.
For more information visit www.iowadairycenter.com.
Lunch on the Dairy Farm at Blue Hyll Dairy
June 25 – 1-4 p.m.
1440 459th Ave, Clinton, Iowa
Free lunch, petting zoo and other children’s activities
Western Iowa Dairy Alliance Open House at Summit Dairy
June 28 – 4-7 p.m.
5564 390th St, Primghar, Iowa
Dairy farm tour, free meal and cheese curds, milk and ice cream, Kids Fun Zone with activities and games.
For more information visit www.wiadairy.com.