|
June Dairy Month History
June Dairy Month, an annual tradition developed to celebrate the dairy industry and its many contributions to our society, originated in 1937. During its first two years, 1937 and 1938, it was called National Milk Month and ran from June 10 to July 10. The 1937 event, sponsored by chain stores, was given the theme “Keep Youthful – Drink Milk.” Originally supported by the National Dairy Council (NDC), June Dairy Month was established to help stabilize dairy demand during periods of peak production when cows were turned out to pasture. To assist in that effort, NDC provided promotional materials to the 6,300 stores participating.
“June Dairy Month” became the official title of the promotion in 1939 and focused on greater use of dairy products. Campaign material, prepared by NDC, was offered to producers, processors and dairy product distributors. June Dairy Month was initially funded by a one cent per pound butterfat assessment in June.
During the war years, less emphasis was placed on promotion, more on surviving the war. The retailers helped customers receive an adequate supply of dairy products and provided information to help use them properly.
After the war, efforts focused on resuming dairy product usage and regaining ‘lost’ butter sales. In 1947 the slogan was “30 Days for ADA in June.” The goal was “Sales, not Surplus.” By 1950, retailers, producers and processors all worked together to promote June Dairy Month.
In 1955 American Dairy Association (ADA) became the national leader for June Dairy Month campaigns. The emphasis changed to sales promotion programs for dairy products, and advertising and merchandising programs were added to an already-effective public relations program. The June promotion became a month-by-month merchandising event in which one or more foods made from milk were highlighted nationwide on a monthly basis. This advertising was visible evidence of dairy farmers’ dollars at work.
June Dairy Month continued to evolve over the years and entire communities across the country, both rural and urban, have embraced it and have become involved in many ways. On-farm events such as breakfasts and open houses are popular in June, with dairy farmers throwing open their doors so that people can learn more about how they take care of cows and produce the milk that people depend on for good health.
Some celebrate with product samples at creameries, grocery stores and local banks and businesses. Some dairy princess coronations happen in June, and it would not be unusual to come across a cow milking contests, cow visits at zoos, or a running event honoring June and using chocolate milk as a refuel beverage.
Traditional media outlets, especially in communities where dairy farms dot the landscape, often promote June Dairy month with remote on-farm broadcasts or trivia contests. The newer format of social media also allows for pointing out the goodness of dairy during the month.
The special link between farmers and consumers is really the basis of what June Dairy Month is all about – celebrating and using a wonderful product that’s real, fresh and simple. ∆
|
|