For decades, June has been a month to celebrate the dairy industry and the hardworking dairy farmers across the state producing nature’s most perfect food. This year was no different, and while the number of milk cow dairies in Tennessee is now hovering around only 100, it’s still an important part of the state’s overall agricultural economy and an important part of farm life to those folks who milk cows daily.
“It gets more challenging every day, but it’s still what I like, what I love to do,” said Steve Lee, McMinn County dairy farmer and American Dairy Association of Tennessee president. “Knowing I am getting a product that kids can enjoy and is healthy for them is what I’m proud of. It’s a struggle, but I enjoy the struggle and I enjoy the time it takes to do it and then also teaching people what it’s all about.”
Teaching folks about dairy is what June Dairy Month is all about too. That’s why Tennessee 4-H encourages counties to have a June Dairy Month chairman, who advocates locally for the industry and shares the benefits of dairy products.
“Dairy is one of the most nutritious foods that we have,” said Marlee Bradford of Lincoln County 4-H. “It’s almost 98% digestible, so it’s almost a completely perfect food and it comes straight from nature. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing – how important dairy is for our nutrition.”
Cori Hopkins of Henry County who also served as a June Dairy Month chairman agrees. Regarding the opportunity to serve in this position for Henry County, she said, “I get to spread agriculture to my community, and I get to do that through spreading the work of dairy. I also get to make connections with dairy farmers in my community and really get to know people.”
Even though June Dairy Month is in June, advocating for the industry and celebrating the benefits of dairy doesn’t stop there. So, this summer, drink an extra glass of milk for breakfast. Eat that delicious scoop of ice cream and of course, like Hopkins said, get to know the good folks who are dairy farming in your area.
Let’s all raise a glass to those farmers across the Volunteer State producing what is considered nature’s most perfect food.
