June Is Dairy Month n Wisconsin Has Many Reasons to Celebrate

By Ashley Huibregtse, 61st Alice in Dairyland
Thursday, June 12, 2008 8:03 AM CDT

Ashley Huibregtse, 61st Alice in Dairyland

June is dairy month in Wisconsin, and there is a lot to celebrate in 2008! Growing up on my family’s dairy farm in Plymouth, I spent a lot of time milking cows. Dairy has been an important part of my life doing chores at home or showing cows at the fair. Because of the black and white and brown cows, I gained financially, had plenty of milk to drink, and gained a strong network of friends. The benefits I experienced on the dairy farm are the same as Wisconsin gains every day from its leading agriculture industry: Dairy.

Dairy contributes more to Wisconsin’s state economy than citrus does to Florida or potatoes to Idaho. Wisconsin’s dairy industry provides $20.6 billion in activity to our state’s economy, almost half of Wisconsin agriculture’s $51.5 billion economic impact. Each of Wisconsin’s 1.25 million cows generates $17,000 a year in economic activity. This money circulates throughout local communities allowing schools, safety services, and stores to thrive.

The cows aren’t the only ones working in Wisconsin’s dairy industry. The dairy industry accounts for nearly 40 percent of all Wisconsin agriculture jobs, employing 160,000 people. On the farm, nutritionists are managing cow diets, veterinarians are ensuring herd health, and herdspersons are milking cows. Dairy is also connected to many other businesses that provide jobs and additional state revenue. Dairy is a large part of service, manufacturing, construction and trade sectors.

The dairy industry continues to modernize and innovate to stay competitive in the 21st century. With 22 on-farm bio-energy systems in operation and more on the way, Wisconsin leads the nation in converting manure into renewable energy. Five cows can provide renewable power for one average home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dairy farms across the state are going green using renewable energy such as wind energy, solar power, and biofuels.

Every day in Wisconsin, a cow produces about 6.3 gallons of milk. This milk allows Wisconsinites to enjoy cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and my favorite n chocolate milk. It is recommended that children have two to three servings of dairy a day while teens should aim for four servings each day. Adults in Wisconsin need about three servings and adults over 50 years old need about four servings. A serving of dairy is equivalent to: and eight ounce glass of milk, 1/2 ounce cube of cheese, a slice of cheese, or a cup of yogurt.

Wisconsin is the No. 1 producer of cheese in the nation with over 600 varieties, styles and types of cheeses. The cheeseheads are enjoying their famous product, consuming 32.5 pounds of cheese per year. This is a tribute the quality of Wisconsin cheese. Wisconsin brought home 89 awards from the 2007 United States Cheese Championship Contest. It is important today that Wisconsin leads the nation in the number of cheese plants with 115 different plants to keep up with consumption!

Low-fat dairy products are part of a quality diet and exercise plan. Dairy can contribute to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. When eating enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium-nutrients found in dairy foods, people can lower blood pressure. There is also research that eating dairy foods can decrease the risk of certain cancers, such as colon or breast cancer. Cheeses, especially Cheddar, Swiss, Blue and Monterey Jack, have shown to protect your teeth and reduce your risk of cavities.

Dairy foods, such as chocolate milk, are key when hitting the road, trails, or gym to exercise. Chocolate milk helps muscles recover faster after physical activity than other leading sports drinks. One serving of skim or low fat milk contains fewer calories than soda or juice. With protein and nine essential vitamins and nutrients, milk is a logical choice before you get moving.

The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) is encouraging you to do just that: “get moving with REAL dairy!” Families can jump on their bikes to enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin scenery and stay fit at the same time. By entering the WMMB sweepstakes, there is an opportunity to win a TREK Family Bicycle Package, a TREK Bicycle Package, or Wisconsin Cheese Gift Baskets.

Just as I had a network of dairy friends and family through dairy, June is a time to bring your network of friends and family together. You can spend time outdoors staying fit before energizing yourself with a glass of milk or piece of cheese. You can also visit a dairy breakfast or event across the state. There are many opportunities to visit a farm, learn more about the dairy industry, and enjoy a great breakfast of dairy products. From Washburn County to Dane County, there is a great time waiting for you.

Dairy will continue to have a strong impact on my life just as dairy makes a difference to Wisconsin’s economy, nutrition, and community. For more information about Wisconsin’s dairy industry, the WMMB Sweepstakes, or a Dairy Event or Breakfast near you, visit http://www.dairyimpact.com or http://www.wisdairy.com.

Alice in Dairyland is Wisconsin’s agricultural ambassador. She travels over 40,000 miles each year to spread the word about our agricultural industry. Alice in Dairyland can be reached by writing to DATCP, 2811 Agriculture Drive, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI 53718. You can schedule Alice for an upcoming event by contacting the Alice in Dairyland Program at 608-224-5080 or by e-mail at mailto:DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov.

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