Dairy producers, industry reps join Commissioner in proclamation signing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 4, 2025) – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell joined dairy industry representatives and dairy producers on Tuesday, June 3, to sign a proclamation honoring the dairy industry and June as Dairy Month in Kentucky. The proclamation was signed during Dairy Night at the Ballgame with the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

“Kentucky’s dairy industry is one of the many reasons Kentucky agriculture is a shining example for others across the country,” Commissioner Shell said. “June is a perfect time to honor these hard-working individuals and an industry that brings us wholesome, delicious, and nutritious products each and every day. Through the years, our dairy partners, as a group, have made the necessary changes to adapt to a changing agricultural environment. For that and the products the industry provides, I’m happy to declare June as Dairy Month in Kentucky.”

Like the cattle industry, the dairy cattle industry decreased slightly in 2025, from 43,000 milk cows the previous years to 41,000 at the beginning of January. Kentucky’s 41,000 dairy cows produce milk – the Official Beverage of Kentucky since 2005 – along with ice cream, artisan cheeses, and other tasty dairy products. Dairy farmers help provide Kentucky families with the calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals they need to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

On average, each dairy cow produces nearly 6.7 gallons of milk a day, meaning Kentucky dairy cows produced nearly 100 million gallons of milk last year. Milk ranks eighth as a Kentucky agriculture product with Kentucky dairy producers receiving more than $196 million in cash receipts from sales of dairy products. Kentucky has about 325 licensed dairy farms. On average each dairy cow generates more than $13,700 in economic ripple effect each year. Barren County has the most dairy cows, followed by Adair, Logan, Christian, and Todd counties.

"It has become a tradition to celebrate June Dairy Month. Dairy farmers dedicate a lot of time to care for their cows to ensure the best quality dairy products are available for all to enjoy not only in June but all year long,” said Greg Goode, Liberty dairy producer and Kentucky Dairy Development Council Director. “On behalf of all dairy farmers I would like to thank all state organizations and private businesses that enable us to be the chosen farmers that get to be able to provide quality dairy products to everyone. So, this June when you are enjoying milk, cheese, yogurt, or ice cream remember a local dairy farmer made that possible."

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) helps Kentucky dairy farmers and processors find new markets for their products and conducts dairy cattle shows across the state. For a list of dairy producers and products across the state, visit KDA’s directory of dairy products at  kyagr.com/agbus/category.aspx?group=7.

For more images from the event, click here.