Have you heard? June is National Dairy Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness of the nutritional benefits of dairy and the vital role that the dairy industry plays in our food systems and economy. UT Extension Union County does not miss this chance to get 4-H students involved. We are kicking off the month by announcing our Union County 4-H Dairy Poster Contest Winner: Emily Graves!

Emily is a student at Big Ridge Elementary School. Her poster will go on to the statewide contest and travel across the state this month as June Dairy Month events take place. She has received a t-shirt from the Dairy Alliance and recognition from Tennessee 4-H. Way to go Emily! The 4-H Dairy Month Poster Contest is a great way for 4-H youth to learn that there is a place in agriculture for everyone. From farmers to dairy owners, to media professionals, it takes a great deal of committed people with a range of skill sets to get that milk on the table. It also serves as a way for youth to share with other youth the nutritional benefits of milk. This is important because the number of youths who drink milk continues to decrease every year. Currently, only about 33% of youth consume milk daily.

TN 4-H participates in June Dairy Month, sponsored by the Dairy Alliance in a variety of ways. 4-H students build leadership and public speaking skills by holding events in the community to spread the word of diary benefits through the TN 4-H Dairy Month Ambassador program. This month, join them at the Union County Farmers Market on Saturday, June 12th. Also look for special dairy themed story times in local libraries and the UT Extension Union County Facebook page. Be sure to give us a follow! You may even see our demonstration cow, Bessie, around town.

To learn more about Union County 4-H programs and how you or your student can be involved, call 865-992-8038. There are activities for all interests. Thank you to the Dairy Alliance for supporting TN 4-H dairy education programming. If individuals or businesses want to support 4-H education in Union County, give us a call.