June proclaimed as Dairy Month in Kentucky

FRANFORT, Ky. – June is officially Dairy Month in the Commonwealth.

Agriculture commissioner Jonathan Shell and dairy industry representatives and producers gathered as Shell signed the proclamation Tuesday, according to a release by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“Kentucky dairy farmers are among the hardest working individuals,” Shell said. “During June we take time to honor these farmers for their work and the wholesome and nutritious dairy products we all enjoy. Through the years, our dairy partners, as a group, have made the necessary changes to adapt to a changing agricultural environment. June is the perfect time to celebrate Dairy Month and honor the service and the hard work of the Kentucky dairy farmer.”

According to the release, there has been a slight decrease in the dairy cattle industry in 2024 by about 2,000.

On average, the release states each dairy cow produces nearly 6.7 gallons of milk a day, meaning Kentucky dairy cows produce more than 105 million gallons of milk each year. One dairy cow on average creates more than $13,700 in an economic ripple effect each year, the release states.

Not only that – Barren County has the most dairy cows, followed by Adair, Logan, Christian, and Todd counties, according to the release.

Overall, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture says milk ranks eighth in Kentucky agriculture products, with Kentucky dairy producers receiving more than $196 million in cash receipts from sales of dairy products.