By 4-H-er Joannah Kadron
It’s June, folks!
Which means it is Dairy Month, a time where we celebrate dairy and the nutritious value of its products. Did you know: June dairy month started out as a way to distribute extra milk during the hot summer months, but in 1939 June became the official “dairy month.”
Tennessee has over 220 dairy farms spread across the state. Dairy farming is a family tradition, so most are family owned and operated. A typical Tennessee dairy farm has about 150 head of cows, therefore Tennessee is home to over 37,000 dairy cows.
Dairy cows produce an average of 6.5 gallons of milk per day, which is great!
This production is important because the recommended servings of dairy we should eat per day is 3 cups, or 24 ounces. It is also very nutritious, so when meal planning, dairy products are recommended because they provide calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
Nutrients in dairy help build strong bones, muscles and teeth. On the topic of dairy’s nutritious features, its unique combination of nutrients plays a role in preventing conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure.
What amazing nutritional benefits. I certainly hope many of you will start incorporating more dairy products in your everyday diet. Some ways that I like to eat dairy are putting yogurt in smoothies for breakfast or a snack, including dairy in after school snacks, and even adding extra cheese to regular meals.
I am excited to serve as your Union County 4-H Dairy Chairperson so that I can learn more about the benefits of dairy and dairy production here in the state of Tennessee.
Be sure to follow UT Extension Union County on Facebook so you can follow along on my journey as I share fun facts and virtual farm tours and explore “The Art of Dairy.” – Joannah Kadron, 8th grade Union County 4-H member.
June Dairy Promotion Month is a partnership between the Tennessee 4-H program and the Southeastern Dairy Alliance. Each year, students apply for the opportunity to build leadership skills and increase their knowledge of dairy production and nutrition by finding creative ways to share this important information with their home community.
Each year a theme is chosen to inspire and guide students. The 2020 June Dairy Month theme is, “The Art of Dairy!” Students have been challenged to use virtual methods to engage their community this year, so be sure to catch us on Facebook and support Joannah with your likes and comments.
Happy Dairy Month.
Please direct questions to aphill34@utk.edu or call 865-992-8038. – Alyshia Victoria, UT Extension Union County 4-H Agent