Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding shared an industry update with Pennsylvania’s dairy leaders on Wednesday, June 9, and celebrated Dairy Month with a 90-gallon ice cream sundae served on the Capitol steps.
“Celebrating June as Dairy Month shines a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s top agricultural sector that generates more than $4.5 billion in total economic impact each year,” said Redding. “We take this time to recognize our state’s 7,400 dairy farm families whose hard work and dedication – even during incredibly challenging times – provide a safe, abundant milk supply for us all to enjoy.”
Redding made his comments while addressing the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force, where he briefed them on a recent decision by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board that will help ensure in-state dairy producers receive their fair share of over-order premiums paid on milk produced, processed and sold in Pennsylvania.
“Thanks to Governor Rendell’s urging, this calculation change could translate into approximately $6.7 million more being paid to the state’s milk producers,” said Redding. “This is a victory for our dairy producers and the industry as a whole, as we continue to find ways to protect the equity these farm families have built over generations.”
Pennsylvania is the fifth largest milk producing state in the nation with its 541,000 dairy cows producing 10.6 billion pounds, or 5.6 percent of the nation’s total milk supply annually. The state also ranks third in butter production and seventh in cheese production.
To learn more about the Pennsylvania dairy industry, visit the Center for Dairy Excellence website at www.centerfordairyexcellence.com .
Information provided by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Photos by Kelly Caldwell, Director of Communications and Member Services for PennAg Industries Association
