Originally started to distribute extra milk during the summer months, June has been nationally celebrated as Dairy Month since 1939. Wisconsin leads the nation as the home to nearly 6,000 dairy farms, more than any other state! The dairy industry contributes $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy each year with an impact across the state supporting feed mills, dairy equipment manufacturers and technicians, veterinarians, construction companies, genetic suppliers, milk haulers, dairy plants, and more.
From milk and cheese to yogurt and ice cream, dairy is an essential part of many people’s diets, providing important nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Wisconsin is #1 in cheese with nearly 1,200 licensed cheesemakers producing 600 types of cheese. Wisconsin cheesemakers make 25% of the nations cheese and lead the nation in the production of 928 million pounds of specialty cheeses annually.
As we celebrate National Dairy Month, let’s take a closer look at dairy’s impact on our lives and why it is worth celebrating all month long:
Nutritional Benefits of Dairy
Dairy products are an important source of nutrients, particularly calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are essential for bone health and are important for people of all ages, from young children to older adults. Dairy products also provide protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue.
In addition to these important nutrients, dairy products also contain other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, making dairy an important part of a balanced diet.
Supporting the Economy
Dairy farms and processors also play an important role in the economy, providing jobs and supporting local communities. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the dairy industry contributes more than $620 billion to the US economy each year and supports more than 3 million jobs.
Dairy farms also help to preserve farmland and support rural communities. Many dairy farms are family-owned and operated, passing down farming traditions from generation to generation. These farms help to support local economies and provide a connection to the land and community.
Innovations in Dairy
As technology advances and consumer preferences change, the dairy industry has continued to evolve and innovate. From new flavors and packaging options to specialty consumer products like curd crunchers, dairy companies are always looking for new ways to meet consumer demand and provide products that fit into a variety of lifestyles and dietary needs.
In addition to these changes, the dairy industry is also focused on sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. Many dairy farms have implemented practices like reducing water usage, improving manure management, and using renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the planet.
Final Thoughts
National Dairy Month is a time to celebrate the many benefits of dairy products and the important role that dairy plays in our lives and communities. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or a slice of cheese, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into producing these delicious and nutritious foods. We encourage you to visit one of the many dairy breakfasts throughout the state this month.
- June 3 –
- Rock County Dairy Breakfast at Daluge Farm
- Cows on the Concourse at Madison Capitol Square
- June 10 –
- Pepin County Dairy Breakfast at Churchview Dairy
- Sauk County Dairy Breakfast at Brander’s Dairy Farm
- Dane County Dairy Breakfast at Kahl Family Farm
- Lafayette County Dairy Breakfast at Meylor Family Farms
- June 11 –
- Richland County Dairy Breakfast at Red Brae Dairy
- June 17 –
- Eau Claire County Breakfast on the Farm at Bears Grass Dairy
- Pierce County Dairy Breakfast at Maple Bud Farm
- Columbia County MOO-DAY Brunch at Darian Acres
- June 24 –
- Buffalo County Dairy Breakfast at DS Farms
- Dunn County Dairy Breakfast at Maple Hills Dairy
Thank you to all the dairy farmers, cheesemakers, milk haulers, and dairy processors who supply nutritious dairy products every day. ALCIVIA supports our dairy farms with industry leading products from bottle to parlor with Calf Xcellence, Show Xcellence Dairy 42, and rations formulated for your operation. Our team of dedicated dairy technical tpecialists and calf & heifer specialists are here to help.
ALCIVIA recently invested $2.4M in improvements for our Menomonie mill, including the introduction of a fully automated packaging and palletizing solution. This addition allows us to utilize the Menomonie mill as a centralized location for the majority of our packaging.
Check out the before and after video below!
Our nutrition team wants to bring out the best in your animals, whether that means higher production or blue ribbons. Your ALCIVIA team is here to improve your income-over-feed-cost, milk production, cost per pound of gain, herd health, and overall animal nutrition.
contact us
Please contact one of our specialists today to discuss your Animal Nutrition needs.
Phone: 1.608.251.9010
Email: info@alcivia.com
Our nutrition team wants to bring out the best in your animals, whether that means higher production or blue ribbons. Your ALCIVIA team is here to improve your income-over-feed-cost, milk production, cost per pound of gain, herd health, and overall animal nutrition.
contact us
Please contact one of our specialists today to discuss your Animal Nutrition needs.
Phone: 1.608.251.9010
Email: info@alcivia.com
In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) established June as National Safety Month in the United States. The goal of National Safety Month is to increase public awareness of the leading safety and health risks that are increased in the summer months in an attempt to decrease the number of injuries and deaths at homes and workplaces.
Anyone can be at risk for a heat-related illness. The following are summer safety tips to keep you and your family safe and out of the emergency room!
5 Summer Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is another safety concern during the summer months. Be sure to drink enough liquids throughout the day, as our bodies can lose a lot of water through perspiration when it gets hot out.
- Protect your skin. Use a sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Keep an eye on children. Remember to always have adult supervision for children. Whether they’re in the pool or playing in the sand at the seashore, having someone who can help them — should an emergency arise — is essential.
- Wear sunglasses. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light can harm the eyes. Wear sunglasses year-round whenever you are out in the sun. Choose shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.
- Excercise safely. Not only can injuries happen, but heat exhaustion and dehydration can happen more often in the summer months. It helps to be conditioned to the activities in which we’re preparing to engage. Warm up, stretch, gear up, go with a buddy, and remember to cool down and stretch afterwards.
There are several heat-related illnesses to look out for.
Heat Stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the ability to sweat fails and body temperature rises to a dangerous level quickly. It’s often fatal or results in organ damage. Someone experiencing heatstroke will have very hot skin and an altered mental state. Seizures can result. Ridding the body of excess heat is crucial.
Heat Exhaustion. When the body loses an excessive amount of salt and water, heat exhaustion sets in. People who work outdoors and athletes are very susceptible. Symptoms are similar to the flu, and include severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes, diarrhea. They may also have clammy or pale skin, dizziness, or rapid pulse.
Heat Cramps. Heat cramps are muscle spasms usually impacting the legs or abdominals, often after physical activity. Excessive sweating reduces salt levels in the body, resulting in heat cramps.
Persons with pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs should not return to work for a few hours.
Please consider all these precautions and tips for the summer months ahead. Enjoy the weather!
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