By Blake Jackson
On June 3, Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, along with dairy producers and industry representatives, officially declared June as Dairy Month in Kentucky. The announcement took place during Dairy Night at the Ballgame with the Bowling Green Hot Rods.
“Kentucky’s dairy industry is one of the many reasons Kentucky agriculture is a shining example for others across the country,” said Commissioner Shell. “June is a perfect time to honor these hard-working individuals and an industry that brings us wholesome, delicious, and nutritious products each and every day. Through the years, our dairy partners, as a group, have made the necessary changes to adapt to a changing agricultural environment. For that and the products the industry provides, I’m happy to declare June as Dairy Month in Kentucky.”
Kentucky’s dairy industry includes about 41,000 milk cows as of January 2025, down slightly from the previous year. These cows help produce nearly 100 million gallons of milk annually. Milk, which has been the Official Beverage of Kentucky since 2005, is turned into a variety of products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
Dairy production is a major part of Kentucky’s economy. It ranks eighth among agricultural products, with cash receipts exceeding $196 million. There are around 325 licensed dairy farms in the state. Each cow contributes over $13,700 in economic ripple effect per year. Barren County has the most dairy cows, followed by Adair, Logan, Christian, and Todd counties.
"It has become a tradition to celebrate June Dairy Month. Dairy farmers dedicate a lot of time to care for their cows to ensure the best quality dairy products are available for all to enjoy not only in June but all year long,” said Greg Goode, Liberty dairy producer and Kentucky Dairy Development Council Director. “On behalf of all dairy farmers I would like to thank all state organizations and private businesses that enable us to be the chosen farmers that get to be able to provide quality dairy products to everyone. So, this June when you are enjoying milk, cheese, yogurt, or ice cream remember a local dairy farmer made that possible."
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture supports dairy farmers by helping them access new markets and organizing dairy cattle shows. To find dairy farms and products across.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Dairy Cattle