June is Dairy Month in Missouri

(KBSI) – June is Dairy Month in Missouri.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe proclaimed June to be Dairy Month on behalf of dairy farmers throughout the state.

Lt. Gov. Kehoe presented the proclamation on behalf of the Governor at Central Dairy in Jefferson City.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and members of the Missouri dairy industry joined Kehoe for the proclamation.

“We appreciate the Lieutenant Governor presenting this proclamation on our behalf,” Governor Mike Parson said. “We are both agriculture advocates and support the Missouri dairy industry wholeheartedly. Working on a dairy farm is not for the faint of heart, as the First Lady and I well know. We commend all the Missouri dairy producers who work each day to care for their livestock and produce delicious and nutritious products.”

“Central Dairy is a staple in the Capitol City and I love that we get to celebrate such a special industry in such a special place,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “Our Missouri dairy producers strive to provide wholesome dairy products to consumers in Missouri and across the country. I am proud to recognize those who rise with the sun day in and day out to produce high quality product.”

Central Dairy was established in Columbia, Missouri in 1920. It moved to Jefferson City in 1932. The ice cream counter opened in 1934. Central Dairy manufactured and delivered a wide variety of dairy products across mid-Missouri for many years. Illinois-based Prairie Farms Dairy acquired Central Dairy in 2007.

The Missouri dairy industry is valued at nearly $242 million. It provides more than $2.1 billion in value-added contribution to the state. Missouri is home to 340 Grade A dairy farms.

Visit Modairy.org to learn more about the dairy industry in Missouri.