Toast a glass of ice cold milk, a scoop of ice cream, a delicious slice of cheese or spoonful of your favorite yogurt to help celebrate dairy month in the Commonwealth. June is national dairy month and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Dairymen’s Association encourage you to join in the celebration by enjoying your favorite dairy treat.
Dairy is Virginia’s third largest agricultural commodity with $284 million in farm cash receipts in 2018. There are about 75,000 dairy cows in the state with each dairy cow providing an average of 2,310 gallons of milk per year. The total amount of milk produced in the state amounted to 173 million gallons in 2019.
“Dairy products are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, D, B12, riboflavin and niacin. These nutrients play a vital role in reducing the risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis,” said Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, VDACS Commissioner. “Join me in celebrating the more than 450 Virginia dairy farmers by enjoying your favorite dairy item.”
Milk is produced in many Virginia counties with the top five milk-producing counties being Rockingham, Pittsylvania, Augusta, Franklin and Washington.
“Virginia’s dairy farmers work year-round to produce delicious and nutritious dairy products. National dairy month is a celebration for the work that they do in producing the dairy products we all enjoy,” said Eric Paulson, Executive Secretary, Virginia State Dairymen’s Association.
You can find Virginia dairy products at your local retailer, farmers market or by searching the www.VirginiaGrown.com website. Share pictures of your family and friends enjoying Virginia dairy products during dairy month on your social media platforms and use the hashtag #VaDairyMonth.