National Dairy Month Celebrated at Cooks Dairy & Ritter Dairy

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Deputy Director Kathy Angerer, alongside representatives from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, commemorated National Dairy Month by visiting local food and agricultural businesses, including Cooks Dairy and Ritter Dairy.

Emphasizing the significance of Michigan's thriving dairy industry, MDARD Deputy Director Kathy Angerer stated, "The Whitmer administration and MDARD take pride in supporting Michigan's robust dairy industry, which comprises 900 dairy family farms and over 445,000 cows. These dairy farms produce an ample supply of milk to meet our state's needs while also fulfilling increased consumer demand nationwide. MDARD remains committed to supporting diverse and unique agricultural practices that enable us to best assist farms of all sizes, contributing to the continued prosperity of Michigan's economy."

National Dairy Month, established in 1939, encourages families to recognize the nutritional value of milk and choose it as their beverage of preference. This tradition lives on as communities, companies, and individuals across the region celebrate National Dairy Month in various ways.

Cooks Dairy is renowned for its comprehensive dairy production process. They cultivate crops to feed their cows, milk the cows, and produce a variety of dairy products entirely on-site. The Cook family has been providing Grade A dairy products since 1933 and welcomes the public to experience their day-to-day operations by opening their farm for visits.

Ritter Dairy, spanning approximately 700 acres, is home to 200 dairy cows and cultivates corn, soybeans, and hay. The crops are harvested each autumn to serve as feed for their cows throughout the following year. The Ritter family takes pride in raising animals that yield safe, wholesome milk, knowing that it nourishes families across the state, including their own.

Throughout 2023, MDARD will actively engage with Michigan's food and agricultural businesses to foster discussions on continued success and explore how the department can best support their growth and expansion.

The visits to Cooks Dairy and Ritter Dairy show the importance of Michigan's dairy industry and highlight the hard work and dedication of the farming families involved. By celebrating National Dairy Month and acknowledging these contributions, we honor the legacy and ongoing achievements of Michigan's dairy sector

Photo Credit: gettyimages-dimasobko