SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 8, 2016
Media Contact: Jody Heemstra, 605.773.4073

***A photo is available via this link: http://news.sd.gov/newsphotos/multimedia/DSC05153.jpg

June is Dairy Month in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has declared June as “Dairy Month” in South Dakota.

South Dakota is home to over 200 dairy farm families. The state’s dairy industry contributes an annual economic impact of $2.36 billion, with each cow providing $26,294. Dairy production employs 6,230 people.

“South Dakota’s dairy producers provide a wholesome and nutritious product to citizens of our state and beyond, advocating for healthy products and responsible conservation practices,” said interim secretary of agriculture Dr. Dustin Oedekoven. “Dairy farms are also a significant outlet for South Dakota raised crops, contributing to the overall sustainable agricultural and rural economy.”

Local dairy producers provide access to nutrient rich dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt. These products help consumers maintain a balanced diet, while also helping to improve the overall health of South Dakota’s citizens.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Photo, (left to right): Mike Cypher, Cypher Dairy Consulting; Doug Ode, Brandon area dairy farmer; Greg Moes, Goodwin area dairy farmers; Randy K. Gross, Brookings area dairy farmer; interim SD Secretary of Agriculture Dr. Dustin Oedekoven; Marv Post, president of SD Dairy Producers; Deb Wehde, Agropur Cheese; Gov. Dennis Daugaard; Darrell Rennich, Bruce area dairy farmer; David Skaggs, ag development representative for the SD Department of Agriculture; Dr. Vikram Mistry, South Dakota State University Dairy Science Department Head; Tracey Erickson, SDSU Extension Dairy Specialist; Randy Schuring, Andover area dairy farmer; and Michael Crinion, Estelline area dairy farmer.