June 10, 2024
Governor Mike Parson Proclaims June as Dairy Month
The proclamation ceremony took place today in Jefferson City.
Today, on behalf of dairy farmers throughout the state, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe proclaimed June to be Dairy Month in Missouri. Lieutenant Governor Kehoe presented the proclamation on behalf of the Governor at Central Dairy in Jefferson City. Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and members of the Missouri dairy industry joined the Lieutenant Governor for the proclamation.
“We appreciate the Lieutenant Governor presenting this proclamation on our behalf,” Governor Mike Parson said. “We are both agriculture advocates and support the Missouri dairy industry wholeheartedly. Working on a dairy farm is not for the faint of heart, as the First Lady and I well know. We commend all the Missouri dairy producers who work each day to care for their livestock and produce delicious and nutritious products.”
“Central Dairy is a staple in the Capitol City and I love that we get to celebrate such a special industry in such a special place,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “Our Missouri dairy producers strive to provide wholesome dairy products to consumers in Missouri and across the country. I am proud to recognize those who rise with the sun day in and day out to produce high quality product.”
Central Dairy was established in Columbia, Mo. in 1920 and moved to Jefferson City in 1932. The ice cream counter opened in 1934 and is still a popular tourist destination today. For many years, Central Dairy manufactured and delivered a wide variety of dairy products across mid-Missouri. In 2007, Central Dairy was acquired by Illinois-based Prairie Farms Dairy.
The Missouri dairy industry is valued at nearly $242 million and provides more than $2.1 billion in value-added contribution to the state. Missouri is home to 340 Grade A dairy farms.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
To learn more about the dairy industry in Missouri, visit Modairy.org.