'Moovers' & shakers kick off Maine Dairy Month

Photo / Courtesy Office of Gov, Mills Gov. Janet Mills, right, and Commissioner Amanda Beal of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry raise their glasses in a milk toast to mark the start of Maine Dairy Month.

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By Renee Cordes

Gov. Janet Mills kicked off Maine Dairy Month Thursday in Augusta with a milk toast to the $900 million industry.

"Dairy farms are a cornerstone of Maine's agricultural industry, of our rural communities, and of our economy as a whole," Mills said. "Whether you prefer milk, ice cream, cheese, or yogurt, there's a delicious Maine dairy product for everyone. I encourage all Maine people to join me in celebrating the contributions of Maine's dairy industry during Dairy Month and throughout the year."

Mills was joined at a Blaine House ceremony by Amanda Beal, commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, who grew up on her family's dairy farm, and several trade group leaders, including Annie Watson, president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association.

"Dairying matters to Maine because our dairies are the backbone of our rural communities, and the stewards of the agricultural landscape we all hold so dear," Mills said.

Since 1939, June has been designated as Dairy Month in the United States, celebrating the abundance of dairy products and paying tribute to dairy farmers' important role in agriculture.

Udderly important industry

Maine is home to more than 200 dairy farms that care for herds of dairy cows, goats and sheep and steward 700,000 acres of farmland. Because of their work, the state boasts award-winning cheeses, yogurt, ice cream and butter made exclusively with Maine milk and cream.

Maine also benefits from dairy processors that bottle and sell milk year-round at retail locations statewide. In addition to agricultural products, farms provide numerous public benefits, such as scenic open spaces that enrich local communities.

Maine dairy farmers and creameries are estimated to provide 4,733 direct and 10,201 indirect jobs and generate $904 million in direct economic impact and $1 billion in indirect economic impact, according to a Thursday news release from the governor's office.

Dairy farms contribute to the economy by supporting small businesses, and bolstering essential farm and food system enterprises such as farm supply stores, transportation companies and veterinary services. Maine's dairy farms also serve as a source of delicious and nutritious foods and beverages for various food outlets, including restaurants, schools, grocery stores, cafes and ice cream vendors.

"Today, we express our heartfelt appreciation for the efforts and valuable contributions of Maine's dairy industry," Beal said. "Maine family farms and the dairy industry are a source of pride and strength, sustaining livelihoods and driving growth in related sectors."