JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH!
Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH! CELEBRATE BY ENJOYING THE DELICIOUSNESS OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
by Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
June is an exciting time as it marks the arrival of summer, but it is also Dairy Month! There's nothing better than finding a noble excuse to enjoy delicious food! This annual celebration started in 1937 and continues as a way to pay homage to the remarkable contributions of the dairy industry to our economy, culinary delights, and the community.
Although I was not raised on a dairy farm, I was born in the largest dairy-producing state in Brazil (Minas Gerais) and had grandparents from both sides of my family milking cows at some point in their lives. As a kid, I was always amazed at how much food was prepared and eaten every time I visited my relatives' farms. I did not understand then, but feeding and caring for people and animals are farmers' love languages. The warm feeling every time I had a traditional homemade meal prepared with ingredients from the farm is a big part of my childhood's fond memories - and why I decided to pursue a career in agriculture.

Moving to Southwest New York and working with farmers and the surrounding communities is a privilege I try not to take for granted. The picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant farmlands reminds me of home. But more than that, nestled within this scenic beauty are over 680 dairy farms. These farms care for approximately 75,000 dairy cows and produce enough milk to feed 2 million people every day. In addition to making food, dairy farming provides other economic benefits for the area. Studies show that for every $1 a farmer receives, $2.29 is generated in the local community, creating a huge ripple of positive economic impact.
June is the perfect time to celebrate our dairy industry and its impact on our lives. There are plenty of ways to show our appreciation:
- If you know a dairy farmer, ask them about what support looks like to them. They'll be more than happy to guide you.
- During Dairy Month, watch for special events such as farmer's markets and farm tours. These opportunities allow you to connect and learn more about these dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to bring us the dairy products we love.
- Whenever possible, buy local products such as artisanal cheeses, chocolate milk, butter, ice cream, and others. That is a great way to support local businesses and the dairy industry as a whole.
Finally, the best way to celebrate Dairy Month is by embracing the flavors, traditions, and stories that come with dairy products. If you have a favorite family recipe, find a good time to make and share it with family/friends. Enjoying the warm feeling of sharing a meal with your favorite people is the best support a farmer will always want.
Speaking of flavors, let me introduce you to my favorite snack from my home state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It's called "Pao de queijo," or as it's known here in the United States, Brazilian Cheese Bread (It was a big hit after appearing on Shark Tank - Find the episode here). This gluten-free bread is made with tapioca flour, eggs, and cheese, creating a unique flavor.
If you're feeling adventurous this month, I encourage you to try this recipe (see below). It's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. And trust me, it pairs perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee for a fantastic breakfast. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Camila had the opportunity to share a little about dairy month with WVIN 98.3 Bath on May 25th. Click here to check it out

Upcoming Events
Silvopasture on a Shoestring
October 7, 2025
Franklinville, NY
Join Joshua Greene, Director of Education at Trees For Graziers, Jonathan Bates, Statewide Agroforestry Educator, and Lynn Bliven, owner of Wild Geese Farm for a full day training event that will include classroom and hands-on sessions. The focus will be on DIY silvopasture projects on small grazing farms. We will address the practical considerations of tree establishment, protection, and maintenance while learning how silvopasture can help address your farm's resource concerns and enhance livestock grazing.
Optimizing the Economic Return of Pasture-Raised Slow-Growth and Conventional Broilers - Webinar
October 15, 2025
November 13, 2025
: Optimizing the Economic Return of Pasture-Raised Slow-Growth and Conventional Broilers - Webinar
Over the past three years, Cornell Cooperative Extension has worked with nearly 40 small farmers across NYS to gather information on the true costs of raising broilers (meat chickens) on pasture. This presentation is a summary of the findings of this research project.
Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop - East Aurora
October 21, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop - East Aurora
East Aurora, NY
This workshop will explain why regularly testing fecal egg counts can help you with understanding your animals' parasite loads and dewormer resistance. Attendees have the opportunity to prepare and evaluate fresh fecal samples under the microscope and practice interpretations.
Announcements
Herbicide Resistance Screening
We are screening weed species for herbicide resistance.Species we are looking for include, but aren't limited to:
- Tall Waterhemp
- Palmer Amaranth
- Marestail
- Redroot Pigweed
- Foxtails
- Common Lambsquarters
- Common Ragweed
Reach out to Katelyn Miller at 716-640-2047 or km753@cornell.edu for more information.