What do you celebrate in June?
I make it a point to celebrate dairy in every way I know how. I visit my local grocery stores and buy milk by the gallon, sour cream, cheese and my personal favorites, ice cream and Chobani yogurt.
The tradition of celebrating June as Dairy Month began in 1937 as a way to encourage consumers to purchase more milk and dairy products. Back then, most dairy cows calved in spring; by June they were turned out onto lush green pastures. As a result, milk production increased substantially during the early summer months. Promoting dairy products helped ensure that consumers continued purchasing milk even when supplies were abundant.
At the same time, dairy consumption often declined as temperatures rose. Consumers tended to reach for soda, sports drinks and water instead of milk. The dairy industry came together and recognized the need to promote milk and dairy products to help stabilize the market. Dairy Month was born.
The dairy industry has changed significantly over the decades. Cheese manufacturers now take advantage of the increased milk supply during spring and early summer by purchasing milk to make specialty cheeses that are aged for the holiday season. Six-month-aged gouda, Manchego and cheddar/extra sharp cheddar are popular choices for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations and even Super Bowl gatherings. Butter consumption also reaches some of its highest levels during the holiday season.
One of the most recognized dairy traditions in America takes place at the Indianapolis 500. In 1936, three-time winner Louis Meyer requested a bottle of buttermilk in Victory Lane. A dairy industry executive saw the promotional potential, and a tradition was born. Today, the winner of the Indy 500 isn’t truly celebrated until they drink the iconic bottle of milk.
Locally, I am excited about another event that highlights the value of dairy products. The Boilermaker Road Race, held annually in Utica, draws thousands of runners. Sports nutritionists often recommend chocolate milk as a recovery drink because it contains an ideal ratio of carbohydrates and protein to help refuel muscles and replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
A major victory for dairy farmers came on Jan. 14, 2026, when the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law. The legislation allows schools to once again offer whole milk and 2% milk, including flavored varieties, in school lunch programs. All milk provides essential nutrients, including calcium, protein and healthy fats that support children’s growth, brain development and bone health. As dairy farmers often say, “Whole milk’s full flavor helps create future milk customers.”
New York State has plenty to celebrate during Dairy Month. New York ranks first in the nation in the production of yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese and fluid milk. In 1981, milk became New York State’s official beverage.
Statistics show that the average New Yorker drinks approximately 18 gallons of milk each year and consumes about 656 pounds of dairy products annually. That includes milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream and one dairy food many people don’t often think about – pizza cheese.
Closer to home, dairy farming remains a cornerstone of our local ag economy. Oneida County is home to approximately 100 dairy farms with 18,000 cows that produce nearly 40 million gallons of milk annually. Lewis County has about 190 dairy farms and 27,000 cows. The Kraft Heinz plant in Lowville is the largest cream cheese manufacturing facility in the U.S. and is a major purchaser of local milk. In Herkimer County, approximately 85 dairy farms care for more than 10,000 cows. These farms produce millions of gallons of milk each year, much of which is used to make products for well-known brands such as Cabot cheese and Chobani yogurt.
Dairy Month is more than just a promotion. It is a celebration of farm families, nutritious food, rural communities and an industry that works 365 days a year to provide safe, wholesome dairy products. Happy June Dairy Month!
by Farmer Ben Simons & Audrey Donahoe, ADANE
