June is National Dairy Month.  While the month is a time to remind consumers about the great options in milk, cheese and ice cream, Dan Wood, executive director of the Washington state Dairy Federation said it’s also a good time to say thank you to the impact dairy farmers have on the Evergreen state.

 

Wood said the dairy industry contributes $5.9 billion to the statewide economy, and many of the 377 dairies are very active and give back in their local communities.  He added many outside of the agriculture community don’t appreciate that dairy farmers milk three times a day, and ensure top notch animal welfare.

 

“They’re giving them vet care, they’re giving them bedding, good diets, some of their diets are more complex than most humans, because these dairy cows are athletes.  I mean they are producing a lot of milk which turns into all sorts of dairy products, whether it’s ice cream or cheese or yogurt.”

 

Wood also noted that diary farms are producing nutrients, some may call it manure, which is beneficial to other aspects of the farming community.

 

 

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