HARTFORD, Conn. — June is National Dairy Month and Connecticut’s past is deeply rooted in over 200 years of history in the production of dairy in the State. Connecticut’s 90 dairies have a $2.2 billion impact on the economy of Connecticut, creating 5,000 jobs in the State and maintaining a herd of 19,500 cows in total to produce 2 million glasses of milk each day. Connecticut dairy farmers achieve their successes through modern technology, innovation, commitment to the industry and environment, and the support from the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board.
The Connecticut Milk Promotion Board, administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, has awarded funding for $500,000 to continue the work of Connecticut Dairy which is focused on increasing sales and dairy consumption in the State.
It is through the funding from Connecticut Milk Promotion Board that Connecticut Dairy will continue to promote the health benefits, sustainability, and local impact by partnering with a marketing agency in a 12-month campaign to promote the industry through marketing efforts and consumer interaction.
In addition to the marketing efforts, the Board has awarded two grants focused on Farmer Engagement and Consumer Nutrition and Education. Through these grants, Connecticut Dairy will engage with both farmers and consumers. The focus of the Farmer Engagement is to engage farmers by providing tools to interact with consumers on social media, learn about dairy checkoff dollars, and co-sponsor events for consumers. The Consumer Nutrition and Education grant is focused on educating children and adults on the nutritional benefits of consuming dairy on a daily basis.
Learn more about Connecticut’s dairy farm families and where to find fresh, local, delicious milk and dairy products at www.CTDairy.org.
–Connecticut Department of Agriculture