FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 15, 2026) – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell joined dairy industry representatives and dairy producers on Friday, June 12, 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 Lexington Legends where Commissioner Shell also threw out the first pitch.

“Kentucky’s dairy industry is a fantastic foundation for the Commonwealth’s agricultural success,” Commissioner Shell said. “In June, we 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 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 2026, from 41,000 milk cows the previous years to 38,000 at the beginning of January. Despite the decrease, Kentucky remains a significant dairy producer. Kentucky’s 38,000 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 6.5 gallons of milk a day, meaning Kentucky dairy cows produced more than 92 million gallons of milk last year. Milk ranks eighth as a Kentucky agriculture product with Kentucky dairy producers receiving more than $174.9 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.

“June is a wonderful month where we celebrate our dedicated farm families for all the hard work they put in every single day,” said Thomas Sumner, a Warren County dairy farmer Kentucky Dairy Development Council Board president. “They provide us with high quality, nutritious products to feed and fuel families across the state, and the long days and early mornings they put in every day do not go unnoticed.”

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 https://www.kyagr.com/agbus/category.aspx?group=7.