Marshall and Gillibrand Lead Resolution Encouraging Dairy Consumption and Recognizing Hard Work of America’s Dairy Producers

(Washington, D.C., June 16, 2021) – U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) were joined by 14 colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution (S.Res.268) in support of the designation of June 2021 as “National Dairy Month.” The resolution aims to recognize the important role dairy plays in a healthy diet and the exceptional work of dairy producers in being stewards of the land and livestock.

“Dairy products provide essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D which help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, about 90 percent of Americans don’t meet dairy recommendations which will leave them vulnerable to poor health outcomes in the future,” said Senator Marshall. “Our bipartisan resolution encourages Americans to gain a deeper understanding of how dairy fuels our bodies as well as the practices used by hardworking farmers and producers across the country to ensure we have access to nutritious dairy products.”

“As the fourth-largest producer of milk and the largest producer of yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream, New York State is well-versed in the rich benefits dairy products have to offer,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This resolution establishes June as ‘National Dairy Month’ to help all Americans understand the important role dairy products play in a nutritious and healthy diet.”

Joining Senators Marshall and Gillibrand on the resolution are Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), James Risch (R-ID), Angus King (I-ME), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“Our dairy farmers play a critical role in providing products that help maintain our nation’s overall health and wellness,” said Senator Grassley. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this resolution and thanking our dairy farmers for all their hard work keeping milk on the dinner tables and ice cream in the local shops.”

“Every day, America’s dairy farmers wake up early and go to work supporting an agriculture economy that families rely on in rural communities across the country. I know this because I have seen it firsthand representing America’s Dairyland in the Senate. Our Wisconsin dairy farmers work hard to ensure that their products meet high standards for nutritional value and quality– and that is why Wisconsin cheese, milk and other dairy products are simply the best in the world. As we join together to celebrate June Dairy Month, let us continue working across party lines to support our dairy farmers and the high quality products they make,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin.

“Dairy farmers throughout New Hampshire are critical to our agriculture economy, supporting workers and providing products for local businesses. I’m proud to join this resolution recognizing the role our dairy producers play as responsible stewards of our land and livestock,” said Senator Shaheen.

“Having been born and raised in Aroostook County, I know how essential the dairy industry is to our state’s economy and our way of life. Maine dairy farmers generate $570 million annually and support more than 4,000 jobs,” said Senator Collins. “Our bipartisan resolution would recognize the important role dairy farmers play in strengthening our economy and providing high-quality and nutritious milks, yogurts, and cheeses to families.”

“New Mexico is a national leader in cheese and milk production, and I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to recognize June as National Dairy Month. Throughout the course of the pandemic, dairy producers and farmers have been an essential workforce that has helped keep our families fed and shelves stocked,” said Senator Luján. “Our hardworking dairy men and women play a vital role in our communities and deserve this important recognition.” 

“Idaho is one of the leading dairy producing states in America, contributing to healthier communities and a stronger economy. Dairy farming and production plays a vital role in Idaho’s agriculture industry, supporting 48,000 jobs in the state and nearly 3 million nationwide. This resolution urges Americans to gain a better understanding of dairy’s health benefits and how the industry supports economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices that protect our environment while ensuring these nutritional staples are accessible for communities across the country,” said Senator Crapo.

“I am proud to cosponsor S.Res.268 and help promote the role Hoosier dairy farmers play in feeding the country and practicing sustainable agriculture,” said Senator Mike Braun.

“As one of the top milk- and cheese-producing states in the country, Idaho is proud of its dairy farmers,” said Senator Risch. “Our dairymen and women have dedicated their lives to feeding American families. During National Dairy Month, they deserve our thanks and respect.”

“Maine has a long tradition of producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that are essential to the health of our economy and our citizens,” said Senator King. “National Dairy Month provides us with an opportunity to highlight the importance of dairy products to the well-being of the American public, and salute the hard work of our nation’s dedicated dairy farmers and producers.”

“New Hampshire is home to nearly 100 dairy farms, and our dairy producers not only play a key role in providing healthy products for Granite Staters, but also in our economy and our way of life,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in designating June 2021 as ‘National Dairy Month’ to continue to raise awareness about the positive role that New Hampshire dairy producers play in our country’s economy and our children’s health.”

“Dairy farmers in Minnesota and across the country play a key role in our nation’s food supply and economy,” said Senator Klobuchar. “By designating June as National Dairy Month, we help raise awareness about the many nutritional benefits of dairy products while recognizing the important contributions of dairy farmers and agricultural workers.”

To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

Background:

The U.S. dairy industry serves as a key driver in the national food system and supports the people of the United States both nutritionally and economically. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dairy products as well as certain fortified soy beverages have a nutritional composition that puts them ahead of curve in maintaining good health and reduced risk of chronic diseases throughout all stages of life. This resolution also highlights the economic impact of dairy producers in the United States, and encourages consumers to visit with dairy producers to gain a better understanding of the production process. It is estimated that the U.S. dairy industry supported 3.3 million jobs and $41.6 billion in direct wages to support workers and their families. 

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