Surrounded by Kansas dairymen and Kansas FFA members, Governor Sam Brownback signed the proclamation declaring June as Kansas Dairy Month. Glasses of milk were raised in toast to a month that celebrates dairymen who get ice cream, cheese, yogurt and other dairy food favorites from farm to plate.

“Kansas dairymen are dedicated to innovation and adding economic value to their communities and our state,” said Governor Brownback. “The growth of the dairy industry means more wholesome dairy products for families in Kansas and throughout the region.”

The dairy industry in Kansas is experiencing continuous growth, expanding at the fastest rate in the nation in 2013. The industry adds economic value to the state through jobs and the more than $592 million value of milk produced annually. There are more than 300 Kansas farm families who take great care of their animals to provide wholesome, nutritious dairy products. Kansas dairies produce more than 336 million gallons of milk, annually.

The high teams in two Kansas FFA Career Development Events (CDE) were in attendance to kick off Kansas Dairy Month. Competing this fall in the National FFA Milk Quality and Products CDE will be the Anderson County FFA Chapter. Team members are Alexis Pedrow, Melissa Kropf, Adam Kropf and Bailey Wolken. This CDE assists students in developing team decision-making skills with a focus on promoting practical learning activities in milk quality and dairy products. The Anderson County FFA advisor is Jeff Gillespie.

Buhler FFA was the high team in the Kansas FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management CDE. The team, whose members are Kelli Schrag, Lacy Pitts, Jason Klamm and Alexis Branscom will be competing in at the national level in the fall. This CDE emphasizes skills in dairy cattle management and evaluation in order to prepare agriculture education students for industry positions or management of a modern dairy herd.