Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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June 01, 2022
WHEREAS, Michigan’s dairy industry is one of the largest agricultural industries in our state with an annual economic impact of $15.7 billion, and our state’s dairy farmers and processors play an important role in feeding Michiganders and people across the nation; and,
WHEREAS, 97 percent of Michigan’s 1,153 dairy farms are family-owned, and our farmers take pride in producing safe, nutritious, and delicious products for Michiganders; and,
WHEREAS, there are 440,000 dairy cows on 1,083 dairy farms of all sizes in our state, which produced nearly 12 billion pounds of milk in 2021, ranking Michigan sixth in the nation for milk production. Michigan dairy farmers produced more than one billion pounds of milk in January 2021, joining an elite group of five other states to reach this production level; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s dairy industry generates nearly 40,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, both on and off the farm; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan dairy businesses have a range of technologies, from large dairy processors with automated ‘robotic’ milking systems to smaller on-farm artisanal cheese makers. Dairy processing in Michigan supports farm families and communities across the state and keeps healthy, nutritious dairy products affordable for all residents; and,
WHEREAS, dairy products, including milk, cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and more, are both delicious and nutritious. Dairy foods provide about 52 percent of the calcium, 51 percent of the vitamin D, and 17 percent of the protein consumed by Americans. Research shows that healthy eating styles, including low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, are linked to a reduced risk of some of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the U.S., as well as improved bone health; and,
WHEREAS, National Dairy Month is traditionally celebrated in June to encourage Americans to reduce the risks of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, obesity, and colon cancer through consumption of dairy products and help parents and caregivers teach children the importance of healthy eating habits, good nutrition, and physical activity, and how dairy fits into a well-balanced, healthy meal plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as Dairy Month in Michigan.