Dairy Month Honors Legacy Of Cheese And Dairy Across U.S.
The cheese and dairy industries across the country are uniting for a time-honored celebration — June Dairy Month. What began nearly a century ago as a way to promote milk during peak production has evolved into a full-scale tribute to the farmers, processors, retailers and consumers who shape America’s dynamic dairy landscape. This month-long celebration highlights the essential role of dairy in nutrition, community vitality, economic growth and culinary tradition.
This year, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is leading a national campaign titled “Dairy Runs Deep,” spotlighting the powerful impact of dairy across American life. From the 94% of U.S. dairy farms that are family-owned to the more than 3 million jobs the industry supports, dairy is a legacy business — passed down through generations and deeply connected to the identity of rural America.
Dairy’s Contributions
The industry contributes more than $198 billion in wages and $779 billion annually to the U.S. economy, with economic activity that sustains small towns, powers local businesses and strengthens communities from coast to coast. Through the IDFA Foundation, the industry also gives back — donating 90,000 pounds of dairy foods and helping provide over 133,000 meals to individuals in need over the past year.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is marking June Dairy Month by renewing its CADAIRY4GOOD partnership with Raley’s Food For Families. This initiative will match up to $35,000 in consumer donations to provide fresh milk to 12 regional food banks, supporting families facing food insecurity.
“Milk is vitamin- and nutrient-dense liquid gold to our neighbors trying to keep healthy food options on their tables,” says Jessica Vaughan, CEO of Second Harvest of the Greater Valley.
CMAB’s Snack For Real Campaign
CMAB is also launching a summer retail campaign, Snack For Real, designed to meet today’s snacking trends. Shoppers at more than 750 stores will find promotions and recipes that feature dairy as the centerpiece of convenient, flavorful snacks like Buffalo cottage cheese salad cups and rainbow fruit and cheese wands.
The Dairy Council of California is exploring dairy’s global story with its “Dairy Around the World” campaign, highlighting international favorites such as Icelandic skyr and Indian lassi while reinforcing the health benefits of dairy.
“We’re proud to champion National Dairy Month through culturally inclusive programming that highlights the richness of dairy in everyday life,” says Amy DeLisio, CEO of the Dairy Council of California.
Over 60 Dairy Events In Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, where dairy is a cornerstone of the state’s identity and economy, more than 60 public events are taking place this month, from farm breakfasts and open houses to cheese tastings and community festivals.
“This June, we invite everyone to discover the dedication, innovation, and legacy that define Wisconsin dairy,” says Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “Whether you’re visiting a farm, enjoying a dairy breakfast or simply adding Wisconsin cheese to your grocery cart, you’re supporting hardworking families who’ve made this their life’s mission.”
With an industry valued at $52.8 billion and supporting over 120,000 jobs, Wisconsin continues to lead in award-winning cheese production and agricultural stewardship.
Statewide Support
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued an official proclamation for June Dairy Month and is making statewide visits to dairy farms, processors and industry partners. He also has highlighted that his administration has approved an $8.8 million investment in the Dairy Innovation Hub at the University of Wisconsin System and proposed additional agriculture-focused support in the 2025–27 Executive Budget. That includes $1.5 million to launch a pilot Dairy Agriculture Resilience Investment Now Grant (DARING) program to support on-farm operational efficiency and continued funding for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Dairy Processor Grant program.
DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski emphasizes the importance of every link in the dairy supply chain in a June statement, noting the state’s recent efforts in milk testing and biosecurity in response to H5N1.
“June is a special month in Wisconsin,” Romanski says. “We can be especially thankful for dairy farmers, haulers, processors, distributors, consumers and everyone who keeps the industry strong in America’s Dairyland.”
Local Brands Give Back
Community events in Wisconsin further underscore the connection between dairy and local giving. The Lamers Dairy’s Cones for a Cause initiative donates proceeds from 50-cent soft serve cones to the St. Joseph Food Program.
Culver’s is offering a free scoop of frozen custard to dairy farmers this month with their online order using promo code DAIRYGOOD. The giveaway is part of the brand’s Thank You Farmers Project, which has raised more than $6.5 million for agricultural education and advocacy since 2013. Culver’s also visited three Wisconsin dairy farms with frozen custard and handwritten thank-you notes from FFA members to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
Keep Up To Date On Cheese Industry News
Find all of HART Design & Manufacturing’s current industry news here.
Source: Cheese Market News
