SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 1, 2010

Media Contact: David Skaggs, 605-773-5436

June is Dairy Month

Pierre, S.D. – As the days get longer and the temperature climbs, there’s no better way to beat the heat than by enjoying a tasty ice cream cone, a thick milk shake, or a tall glass of cold milk.

Gov. Mike Rounds has declared June as “Dairy Month” in South Dakota. The state has more than 375 dairy producers who provide quality milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream for consumers to enjoy every day.

“A healthy dairy industry in South Dakota is important not just to our rural economy, but to every citizen of the state,” said David Skaggs, Dairy Development Specialist for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. “Dairy farmers are an integral part of South Dakota agriculture and have a tremendous positive impact on our communities.”

South Dakota’s dairy processing industry employs nearly 950 workers, in addition to the state’s 1,100 dairy farm laborers. Overall, the dairy industry has an annual economic impact of more than $1.27 billion in South Dakota.

“Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry, and our state’s 94,000 dairy cows are one of the driving forces behind our economy,” said South Dakota Acting Secretary of Agriculture Jon Farris.

Agriculture has a $21.3 billion economic impact on South Dakota; employs about 40 percent of the workforce and generates nearly 50 percent of the state’s tax revenue.

The Governor’s proclamation also notes that dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt contain nine essential nutrients which help to reduce the risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating more than $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing more than 173,000 South Dakotans.  The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve the industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ .

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Editor’s Note: Gov. Rounds’ official “Dairy Month” proclamation can be viewed at: http://sdda.sd.gov/AgPolicy/Press/Press-Room.aspx