Dairy producers, industry reps join Commissioner in proclamation signing

FRANKFORT (June 12, 2023) – Dairy farmers, producers, and industry representatives joined Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles Monday to sign a proclamation honoring the dairy industry and proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Kentucky.

“In June, we want to celebrate the hard work and resiliency of Kentucky’s dairy farmers,” Commissioner Quarles said. “With the constant pressure on our agriculture producers to adapt to change, we can look at our dairy partners as a group who has made those needed changes and continues to provide the wholesome and nutritious dairy products we have always enjoyed. June is the perfect time to celebrate Dairy Month and honor the service and the hard work of the Kentucky dairy farmer.”

The dairy cattle industry saw a bump in numbers for 2023. Dairy cows increased by 1,000 head, making 2023 the first Jan. 1 year-over-year increase since 1986. Kentucky’s 45,000 dairy cows produce milk – the Official Beverage of Kentucky – along with ice cream, artisan cheeses, and other tasty dairy products. Dairy farmers help provide Kentucky families with the calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals they need to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

On average, each dairy cow produces 6.5 gallons of milk a day, meaning Kentucky dairy cows produce more than 107 million gallons of milk each year. Milk ranks eighth as a Kentucky agriculture product with Kentucky dairy producers receiving more than $244 billion in cash receipts from sales of dairy products. On average each dairy cow generates more than $13,700 in economic ripple effect each year. Barren County has the most dairy cows, followed by Adair, Logan, Christian, and Todd counties.

“The Kentucky Dairy Development Council (KDDC) represents all dairy farms within the state of Kentucky, and we salute them in their efforts of bringing wholesome milk to the marketplace,” said H.H. Barlow, KDDC executive director. “It is a 24/7/365 day a year endeavor and we are proud of all that they do.We also appreciate all consumers of all dairy products – without them we wouldn’t have a market for our products. Have yourself an extra bowl of ice cream to cool off this summer and help us celebrate June Dairy Month.”

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture helps Kentucky dairy farmers and processors find new markets for their products and conducts dairy cattle shows across the state. For more about the department’s services to the dairy industry, go to www.kyproud.com.