Digging Deeper...
/For over 500 years, North American milk and cheese producers have had a tough row to hoe. For example, it can’t be easy to succeed when a third of the potential U.S. dairy market can’t digest your products. According to GI Alliance, 36% of the U.S. population is lactose intolerant to some extent. In fact, National Dairy Month was established in 1939 not so much to celebrate dairy industry achievements but to call attention to challenges dairy farmers were facing. The Great Depression, of course, was a culprit. Milk prices for many farmers in 1933 were half of what they received in 1930. This led to groups of farmers petitioning for higher prices and taking part in strikes. But the government intervened and prices rebounded by implementing a complex milk pricing system still in use today to help stabilize prices for farmers. As the industry recovered, the idea of a national dairy month surfaced in 1937, promoted by regional and local grocery organizations. It was officially recognized as National Dairy Month in 1939. By Dennis McLaughlin, McLaughlin Writers LLC
Sources: GI Alliance; World Population Review, Milk Consumption by Country 2024, Shane Fulmer, Lancaster, PA; Jim Salfer, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Minnesota; Ag Journalist Michelle Miller, AgDaily et al, www.farmbabe.com; Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs; Kristen Coady, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Dairy Farmers of America.
Hats Off To The Dairy Industry
Dairy farming is one of the oldest industries in the history of the world, and one of the largest sectors of the U.S. agriculture economy. Dairy cattle arrived in North America via Mexico around 1525 and made their way across the Rio Grande to propagate in the wild. This year’s 85th observance of National Dairy Month could be cause for subdued celebration. In the last few years, the dairy industry has endured challenges, many brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted its supply chain and caused massive milk dumping. The industry, though, has recovered and, some say, prospered. Jason Hartschuh, extension field specialist at Ohio State Extension reported earlier this year that 2024 could be more profitable for dairy farms than 2023 – which was a good year itself. But, he cautioned, “2024 promises to be its own interesting year for dairy farmers.”
How Tough Can It Be?
Dairy farming is a labor-intensive industry that demands consistent dedication and hard work. It is not for the faint of heart. While dairy farming can be rewarding, it requires hard work, resilience, and adaptability to navigate economic and market challenges. Farmers who choose this path must be prepared for both the physical demands and the complexities of the industry.
Dairy farmers must provide regular, unceasing care for their cows. This includes milking, feeding, and monitoring their health. Cows must be milked daily, which means adhering to strict milking schedules.
The dairy industry has faced significant challenges over the years. Between 1997 and 2017, the U.S. lost half of its remaining dairy farms. Today, fewer than 28,000 licensed dairy herds remain. Factors such as poor industry regulation, price fluctuations in the market, and a lower demand for dairy have contributed to this decline. The cost of production for farmers has risen due to increased input costs like fuel and feed, while the value of U.S. milk has been kept artificially low for global export competition.
Dairy farmers cannot quickly adjust the amount of milk they produce in response to consumer demand. This lack of flexibility, combined with oversupply, has led to situations where farmers are forced to dump excess milk when processing plants can’t accommodate it. Monopolies within the dairy sector also control prices, leaving farmers with limited options for where to sell their milk.
Given the challenges faced by dairy farmers, government policies play a crucial role in regulating the dairy market. However, recent policies have focused on boosting production and exports, exacerbating oversupply issues.
Fruits of Their Labor
National Dairy Month is a celebration of the resiliency of dairy farmers, says agriculture journalist Michelle Miller, contributor to AGDAILY. Jim Salfer, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Minnesota, sees dairy farmers from a different angle. Dairy farmers have excellent cow sense, he notes. “They have a unique ability to spot a sick cow before she gets too sick. They can observe a cow in estrus just by her behavior.” But he stresses that successful farmers have an attitude of gratitude. “Successful farmers are gracious and thankful for the consumers who buy their products, the agribusiness professionals who work with them and their employees, and family members who help them succeed. About 94% of U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated.
“As we raise a glass of milk and celebrate National Dairy Month, we at USDA value our partnership with the dairy industry to support more and better markets for dairy farmers and businesses at the local, regional, national, and international marketplace,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
And while we’re at it, let’s acknowledge the productivity and accomplishments, the dairy industry and dairy farmers routinely achieve every day:
The U.S. milk supply is one of the safest in the world. USDA closely regulates milk production from cow to store.
It takes only about 48 hours for milk to journey from farm to store.
In its 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans USDA’s Health and Human Services recommends three servings of dairy (milk, cheese, and yogurt) every day.
Milk is a nutritional bargain; it provides 13 essential nutrients with 8 grams of high-quality protein at only $0.24 per 8-ounce serving.
Dairy provides three of the four nutrients typically lacking in the American diet: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. It provides 52% of the calcium, 51% of the vitamin D, and 17% of the protein in the American diet.
People who are sensitive to lactose can still consume real dairy products. There are lactose-free and lactose-reduced options.
The most popular U.S. dairy cattle breed is the Holstein. The Holstein is black and white, and no two cows have the same pattern (just like snowflakes).
Dairy farmers are committed to sustainability. From 2007 to 2017, U.S. dairy has used 30% less water, 21% less land, with a 19% smaller carbon footprint per gallon of milk. The industry also pledges to be carbon neutral or better by the year 2050.
U.S dairy cows recycle 306 million pounds of food waste every day. About 30 to 40% of a dairy cow’s diet is made of human-inedible recycled (byproduct) feeds.
Dairy farmers are dedicated to animal welfare. Cows receive nutritious feed, fresh water, clean bedding, regular checkups, and prompt medical care.
Real Facts of the Matter
Milk is consumed by people of all cultures around the globe. It is estimated that over 6 billion people worldwide consume milk and milk products.
The world’s population consumes over 2.1 billion liters of milk every day, enough to fill 813 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Dairy cows are social animals. Like people, they will make friends and bond with some while avoiding others.
A cow turns grass into milk within two to three days. Depending on the breed, a cow can make between 25 and 40 liters of milk per day.
Dairy is good for a person’s bones. Calcium is crucial to the growth and strengthening of bones. A glass of milk, some yogurt or a piece a cheese helps to fight off brittle bones and osteoporosis.
Dairy reduces blood pressure. Diets rich in potassium help maintain healthy blood pressure. Dairy products such as yogurt and fluid milk provide potassium and greatly reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.
Milk is good for teeth; they get stronger and healthier when milk is consumed. Calcium protects teeth against gum disease and keeps the jawbone strong and healthy. Additionally, protein neutralizes acids in the mouth.
Studies show that milk is superior to water and sports drinks after a workout. Milk is rich in sodium and potassium that help retain fluids and cause bodies to sweat less.
And here’s one more reason to celebrate milk. It is the only food people can survive on alone. It has every nutrient humans need.
Celebrating National Dairy Month
National Dairy Month is observed every June in the United States. Originally established as a regional grocery and milk promotion to bolster a Depression Era financially-stressed sector of the ag industry in 1937, Dairy Month became a national observance in 1939 that matured into an annual showcase for the health and pallet-pleasing benefits that dairy products provide.
But various sectors of the dairy industry have expanded the mission of Dairy Month to include these special programs and activities:
Promotions and Awareness: During June Dairy Month, dairy producers, retailers, and brands often run special promotions to highlight their products. This heightened awareness encourages consumers to enjoy their favorite dairy treats and learn more about the benefits of dairy.
Educational Initiatives: Dairy organizations and farms organize educational events to inform the public about the nutritional value of dairy products. These initiatives emphasize essential nutrients found in dairy, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.
Farm Tours: Some dairy farms open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to see firsthand how milk is produced. Farm tours provide insights into the milking process, animal care, and sustainable practices.
Ice Cream Socials: Ice cream is a quintessential dairy treat, and what better way to celebrate than with an ice cream sundae party?
How DFA Observes Dairy Month
Dairy Farmers of America recently took over the top spot on Dairy Foods Magazine’s list of the 2023 Dairy 100. It is the latest ranking put out by the dairy industry publication that bases its standings on fiscal-year revenue performances of dairy-producer companies. As a national farmer-owned dairy cooperative, Kanas City, Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America FA recognizes National Dairy Month every year “on behalf of its nearly 11,000 farmer-owners and employees.” DFA reports it will continue its vigorous support and participation of the occasion.
Earlier this month, the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City posed questions to Kristen Coady, DFA’s senior vice president and chief communications officer regarding DFA’s participation and activities in National Dairy Month. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: Is the DFA Cares Foundation continuing its program of monetary donations so food banks around the country can purchase dairy products?
A: As a farmer-owned cooperative, we are committed to helping enrich communities and consumers’ lives through all the possibilities of dairy. We care deeply about the wellbeing of the communities where we live and work and are dedicated to giving back through our DFA Cares Foundation.
For June Dairy Month, we will donate the equivalent of 11,000+ gallons of milk to more than 150 food banks across the country. Throughout the month, we will also highlight how we are impacting local communities through stories and content on our social channels.
In addition to food donations, we also provide disaster relief assistance to dairy farmers through DFA Cares. So, this month we are taking an opportunity to raise funds via monetary donations and an employee raffle at our Headquarters in Kansas City, to help benefit those farmers affected by this spring’s volatile weather.
Q: Are there other new community engagement activities and programs to educate Americans on the health benefits of dairy?
A: Dairy is a multi-functional beverage that is scientifically proven to play a key role in the optimal health and wellness of infants, children, adolescents and adults. An 8-ounce glass of milk provides the most affordable and dense source of nutrients and vitamins compared to any other beverage option.
We promote and educate on the health benefits of dairy in our consumer marketing campaigns and on our social channels. We also work closely with and help amplify dairy nutrition messaging from the various dairy checkoff programs across the United States, including Midwest Dairy. On June 1, we participate with the global dairy industry in celebrating World Milk Day, which is a day recognized by the United Nations to promote the importance of milk as a global food and the important contributions that the dairy industry adds to nutrition, communities, sustainability, livelihoods and economic development.
Q: Will there be increased focus on the dairy industry’s progress to enhance sustainable farming and animal care practices?
A: For our farm families, sustainability is a way of life and a responsibility for future generations. As we continue our commitment to be part of climate solutions, DFA is taking action to benefit the environment and the world. In the last 18 months, DFA has secured nearly $70 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants for our farmer-owners’ sustainability projects.
DFA also has had its emissions reduction target approved by the Science Based Target Initiative as consistent with the levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Some of the key strategies that we are employing across the dairy supply chain to reduce our carbon footprint and prioritize the environment include:
Mitigation of methane emissions from cows by supporting advances in feed efficiency, herd nutrition and feed additives designed to reduce emissions
Using renewable energy methods, such as solar panels and wind power, on our farms
Utilizing anaerobic digesters, which convert manure and food waste to energy, on farms
Promoting healthy soils and regenerative agriculture to sequester more atmospheric carbon in the ground
Creating transportation and hauling efficiencies to reduce emissions
Exploring innovative technologies and solutions to reduce emissions and promote environmental stewardship
Q: Are there major pending policy, regulatory issues that DFA will be supporting or opposing?
A: Milk is one of nature’s most perfect foods from a nutrition standpoint and we want kids to be life-long lovers of milk and dairy, which is a key reason that we were supportive of the Biden-Harris administration endorsing the Healthy School Milk Commitment. With the Healthy School Milk commitment, milk processors are committing to provide school milk options for flavored milk with no more than ten grams of added sugar per 8-fluid ounce serving. DFA’s TruMoo® brand flavored milk — currently available in many schools across the country — provides calcium, protein and contains no more than seven grams of added sugars per 8-fluid ounce serving. Further, we are supportive of ongoing legislative efforts with the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act that will hopefully make whole milk, which is preferred by most kids, available on school menus. Finally, we are also working closely with dairy industry groups to help support a comprehensive Farm Bill recommendation.
Q: What sort of fun, educational activities are in the works?
A: June Dairy Month is a time to celebrate dairy farmers and all the hard work that they do to responsibly produce delicious dairy products. To highlight our farmer owners, we have partnered with farmers across the Cooperative to create videos we will use throughout their social and DFA’s social channels — everything from how they care for their cows to on-farm sustainability practices and the valuable nutrition that dairy provides.
Q: What’s new in the R&D sector that DFA might be unveiling or further touting that will advance product/production innovation, streamline supply chains?
A: Innovation is a key focus for DFA, and we continue to look for ways to innovate on our farms, in our manufacturing plants and in the development of products that we are providing to consumers.
Our food scientists and research and development teams are always reimagining dairy products to meet consumer needs. We have been innovating within sour cream, developing a restaurant-style product that is thinner than traditional store-bought sour cream and can be more easily drizzled over a dish for the perfect bite every time. This year, we also recently launched a limited-edition, vanilla-flavored STAR WARS™ TRUMOO Blue Milk, which has been hugely popular with the cross-generational appeal that the STAR WARS franchise offers.
Looking ahead, we continue to leverage insights and tools to gain real-time consumer feedback, which we are using to develop a robust pipeline of dairy-based ingredients and products.