June is National Dairy Month

What is National Dairy Month? Well I had to ask the same question. I honestly never heard of National Dairy Month, also known as National Milk Month. The official name was changed in 1939 to National Dairy Month. Well I did some research and found some interesting information about this dairy month of June. It was started by dairy product companies and health professionals to raise awareness for the health benefits and to support dairy product producers in 1937. Every June schools, dairy farms, retailers and health professionals do extra activities focusing on dairy products. Dairy associations promote the month by hosting cattle shows, parades and festivals around the nation. Wisconsin is considered the Nation's dairy state.

You can help support Dairy month by visiting farms, attending festivals or just buying more dairy products. Remember dairy isn't just milk, think about all the great food products made from milk. Cheese, yogurt, ice cream and butter are just a few of those products. You can make some smoothies with friends or have an ice cream Sunday at the local dairy queen. All of these activities help support National Dairy Month. Visit www.homecooking .com for some great dairy recipes.

There are over 60,000 dairy farms in the U.S. providing milk, cheese and yogurt. The farms produce about 21 billion gallons of milk annually. Find a local farm in your area. They would be happy to give you a tour and explain their dairy operations. Farms are dependent on you to buy the milk they produce. Show them some support by showing some interest in their operations. Local schools may do field trips to farms and to cheese factories.

Dairy month is used to educate the public about the dairy industry and the health benefits of dairy foods. Calcium and vitamin D found in dairy foods help build strong bones. The Food Pyramid Guide shows us that milk, yogurt, and cheese are all great sources of calcium. They are also sources of vitamin A and protein. Dairy products also help regulate fat in the body and are good for your hair, skin, eyes, and digestive system. You should get at least three servings of dairy products every day as part of a healthy diet.

Not all milk comes from cows. Goats, horses, camels, and even water buffalo provide milk for people around the world. I have had camel milk before, it is very thick and bitter, but some doctors are looking at camel milk for it's extra vitamins and nutritional content. There are farmers in the United States that are milking camels and goats as another source of income.

Dairy month is getting more popular every year. Advertising and local events are attracting more people to milk's benefits. Celebrate National Dairy Month this year by drinking more dairy products.