NJ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MARKS DAIRY MONTH
Consumers Urged to Support NJ’s Dairy Farmers
For Immediate Release: June 10, 2010
Contact: Lynne Richmond
(609) 633-2954
(TRENTON) -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has proclaimed June Dairy Month in New Jersey, acknowledging the importance of the dairy industry to the state and the health benefits of the dairy products produced from milk supplied by our farmers.
In addition to milk, New Jersey dairy farms and processors provide consumers with creams, yogurts, butter, cheeses and other dairy products.
We need dairy farms in New Jersey to ensure our residents have access to fresh, local milk and other dairy products,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “Dairy Month helps remind residents where their milk comes from and the many health benefits of consuming dairy products.”
The American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association and the National Medical Association support 3-A-Day of Dairy for better health. The 3-A-Day program recommends three servings of dairy each day to provide nine essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins D, A, B12, riboflavin and niacin for stronger bones and bodies. The program points to research indicating that by eating three servings daily, adults can achieve better results when it comes to weight loss and also can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other ailments.
In addition to dairy being an important component of a health diet, the state’s dairy industry also plays a role in the state’s economic health. New Jersey dairy farmers contribute almost $48 million to the state’s economy, and maintain scenic vistas and open space, which enhances the quality of life for all state residents.
Currently, there are 91 dairy farms in New Jersey with 8,500 milk cows that produce nearly 160 million pounds of milk each year. These dairy farmers also produce corn, soybeans, hay and other crops on more than 70,000 acres of farmland.
