With May Beef Month coming to a conclusion, it’s time to start celebrating the wonderful product of dairy. Each year, Dairy Month highlights the dairy producers and the healthful dairy products to consumers around the country. So, how can you get involved and promote the benefits of dairy, while also giving a face to dairy producers? According to Associated Content, the National Dairy Council and the Midwest Dairy Association are both working hard to put dairy products and farmers first.

The National Dairy Council promotes its 3-a-day program to encourage Americans to reduce risks of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, obesity, and colon cancer through consumption of dairy foods. It is estimated that most Americans are not getting enough calcium from their diets, and are thus not benefiting from optimal calcium absorption and nutrition. The Midwest Dairy Association raises public awareness on behalf of dairy farmers, dairy producers, and the dairy industry in the media. Its focus is on the “Milk-Making Mission”, and it shows us how businesses and producers affect the American dairy market, and consumer.

June Dairy Month first became part of American culture in 1937. It started as National Milk Month, and many chain stores sponsored events to promote drinking milk. The programs were a success, and likely contributed to American’s habit today of drinking milk. The National Dairy Council first began these promotions with businesses in mind, and stores quickly ran offers and highlighted their dairy sales during this time. In 1939, the campaign increased to promoting all dairy products, not just milk. This slowly increased the promotion and sales of butter, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. However, the war era quickly reduced the publicity efforts.

See the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc. for details on June Dairy Month in Wisconsin.
Crayola.com also offers educational materials for June Dairy Month. Check it out for some fun activities for kids!