The last days of June are ticking away, but dairy farmers and dairy organizations across the country continue to use this month to tell the special story of the dairy industry. Tell us what your state has done to celebrate the contributions of dairy farmers! Meanwhile, South Dakota Governor, Mike Rounds has declared June as Dairy Month in his state. The presence of dairy farms in South Dakota offers families throughout the state access to local, wholesome sources of food, Gov. Rounds stated in the proclamation.
Dairy Month recognizes the contributions of the states 400-plus South Dakota dairy farmers, who produce the safe, nutritious milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream that South Dakotans enjoy every day. A healthy dairy industry in South Dakota is important not just to our rural economy, but to every citizen of the state, Gov. Rounds said. Dairy farmers are an integral part of South Dakota agriculture and have a tremendous positive impact on our communities.
South Dakotas dairy processing industry employs nearly 900 workers, in addition to the states 1,100 dairy farm laborers. Overall, the dairy industry has an annual economic impact of more than $1.41 billion in South Dakota. Agriculture is South Dakotas No. 1 industry, and our states 94,000 dairy cows are one of the driving forces behind our economy, said South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Bill Even. Agriculture has a $21.3 billion economic impact on South Dakota, and creates approximately 40% of the states job opportunities and 50% of its tax revenue.
The Governors proclamation also notes that dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt contain nine essential nutrients which help to reduce the risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers.