MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — June 2021 is being celebrated as National Dairy Month and National Pollinator Month. Each one seeks to remind consumers of their importance. As of June 4, no formal legislative resolutions have been introduced for either recognition.
Milk’s nutritional benefits are touted and some of the dairy groups actively involved (partial list) are PA Dairymens’ Association, American Dairy Association – Northeast, and PA Dairy Princesses. Also included are PA Milk Marketing Board and Center for Dairy Excellence.
Pollinator Month underscores the fact that much of our food depends on pollination and a healthy bee population. Some pollinator notes:
- On June 2, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) said that it is surveying more than (including PA) 400 northeast U.S. producers (including PA) with honeybee colonies to gauge colony loss. Extending through July 2021, the survey results should be available August 2. (Honey Bee Colonies from www.nass.usda.gov/Publications) Survey questions: 800-498-1518.
- There is also National Pollinator Week June 21-27, 2021 recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2007.
- A PA resource is the Penn State Center for Pollinator Research, Christina Grozinger, PhD, 814-865-2214, cmgrozinger@psu.edu.
- PA State Beekeepers Association, www.pastatebeekeepers.org, announced that its Annual Membership Meeting and Conference will be held November 5-7 in State College. Their Summer Picnic & Queen Swap meets July 24 in McVeytown, Mifflin County.
–Vince Phillips, AG ONE