By Blake Jackson
Kentucky’s dairy industry was recognized on June 12 as Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell joined dairy producers and industry leaders to sign a proclamation declaring June as Dairy Month in the Commonwealth.
The announcement took place during Dairy Night at the Ballgame with the Lexington Legends, where Commissioner Shell also participated in the festivities by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
“Kentucky’s dairy industry is a fantastic foundation for the Commonwealth’s agricultural success. In June, we honor these hard-working individuals and an industry that brings us wholesome, delicious, and nutritious products each and every day," said Commissioner Shell.
"Through the years, our dairy partners, as a group, have made the necessary changes to adapt to a changing environment. For that and the products the industry provides, I’m happy to declare June as Dairy Month in Kentucky.”
Although the state’s dairy herd declined from 41,000 to 38,000 milk cows at the beginning of 2026, Kentucky remains an important dairy-producing state.
The industry supplies milk, ice cream, artisan cheeses, and other dairy products while contributing more than $174.9 million in annual cash receipts.
Kentucky’s roughly 325 licensed dairy farms produced over 92 million gallons of milk last year, with each cow averaging nearly 6.5 gallons per day. Barren County leads the state in dairy cow numbers, followed by Adair, Logan, Christian, and Todd counties.
“June is a wonderful month where we celebrate our dedicated farm families for all the hard work they put in every single day,” said Thomas Sumner, a Warren County dairy farmer Kentucky Dairy Development Council Board president.
“They provide us with high quality, nutritious products to feed and fuel families across the state, and the long days and early mornings they put in every day do not go unnoticed.”
Photo Credit: national-dairy-month
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Dairy Cattle