As June approaches, dairy producers and the dairy industry gear up for a monthlong celebration of all things dairy. June Dairy Month, a tradition dating back to 1937, continues to honor the contributions of dairy farmers, the delicious products they produce and the vital role dairy plays in our daily lives.
For June Dairy Month this year, one dairy product I really wanted to hone in on was yogurt. Earlier this year, the FDA announced that yogurt companies can now make limited claim that eating yogurt products may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The FDA considers 2 cups (3 servings) per week of yogurt to be the minimum amount for this qualified health claim.
Yogurt is a versatile dairy product enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it's enjoyed as a creamy breakfast parfait, a refreshing snack or a tangy ingredient in savory dishes, yogurt adds a delicious and nutritious element to our meals. It is also rich in essential nutrients like calcium, protein and probiotics, which promote bone health, muscle recovery and gut health.
Recently, I tried Greek yogurt for the first time, and I loved it! So if you have adventurous taste and want to expand your horizons by trying some new yogurt products, read about an organic Icelandic yogurt called skyr made by two sisters at Painterland Farms in Pennsylvania.
Maybe you don’t want to try a new yogurt product but are looking for new ways to incorporate it into your diet. Check out this article with eight easy and fun yogurt snack ideas to try this summer. The main ingredient is yogurt, and then by incorporating a few breakfast food items and a variety of toppings, you can easily change up your morning routine with some dairy goodness.
Speaking of breakfast, one of the most popular ways dairy producers promote milk and dairy products through the month of June is by hosting a breakfast on the farm. These community gatherings offer a unique opportunity for residents to enjoy a delicious meal highlighting dairy products, participate in fun educational activities and learn more about their local farmer neighbors.
Hosting a dairy breakfast allows farmers to engage with local community, foster relationships with local organizations and educate attendees about the significance of what they do each and every day to provide milk and dairy products for consumers. Many of these dairy breakfasts are organized by local county dairy promotion groups or other dairy advocates or organizations in the area, such as Farm Bureau, FFA, 4-H or other agriculture organizations. If you want to give back to your community and promote all things dairy this June, connect with any of these local organizations and tell of your story of dairy farming and agriculture. You never know, hosting a farm breakfast might be for you and your farm!
So during June Dairy Month this year, raise a glass (or a spoon) in celebration of the dairy industry and the hard work farmers put into caring for their cows to bring us all the dairy products we cherish.
