The hard work of dairy farmers in Lapeer, Genesee and Tuscola counties continues to inspire me.

I recently co-sponsored a House Resolution declaring June as Dairy Month in Michigan. This measure coincides with National Dairy Month, which has roots all the way back to the 1930s and highlights the benefits of dairy consumption within healthy eating habits to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and colon cancer.

Milk alone provides 22 percent of the calcium, 40 percent of the vitamin D, and 10 percent of the potassium in a standard diet. Cheese and yogurt contain things like vitamin A, which promotes eye and skin health, and vitamin B12 which supports nerve function and helps generate blood cells. Studies have shown that dairy products can also lead to improved bone health.

The resolution we passed is a hearty and well-deserved thanks to Michigan’s dairy industry – one of the largest agricultural industries in our state and one that plays a vital role in bringing these products to Michigan residents and people across the country.

Michigan has over 800 dairy farms currently in operation with roughly 460,000 cows combined. As a state, we rank sixth in the nation for milk production and first in production per cow with an average of over 3,100 gallons. That will definitely fill a fridge or two!

Recently, there have been two major announcements that will directly contribute to the expansion of Michigan’s dairy industry. Fair Life has announced plans for a $650 million investment to build out its production facility in Coopersville. Likewise, the Chobani yogurt company broke ground earlier this month on a $567 million expansion of an existing plant in Norton Shores. These developments will create opportunities for Michigan farmers. Specifically, there will be a need for more milk and farmers across our state will be there to provide it. Transportation time of their products to processors will also be reduced, decreasing overhead costs as a result. It is great to see things happening in Michigan that support our farmers and our local economies!

Farmers and their families across our region and the state put in long hours – often starting before sunrise and finishing after dark – to help provide for us and our communities. There are numerous mental health hurdles that constantly impact people in this profession, including labor challenges, rising input costs, market uncertainty, animal disease, harsh weather conditions, and more. At the state level, we must prioritize resources that are needed so those who work in this industry can have access to telehealth and other services.

Michigan’s dairy industry supports over 110,000 jobs, according to state data. This resolution also recognizes the entirety of the industry, including processors and truck drivers who help bring dairy products to our stores and kitchen tables, veterinarians who care for animals, and others. Many of these individuals are our neighbors and fellow community members who play a critical role in the process.

Whenever I stop by local farms throughout our area and meet with agricultural leaders, I am amazed at how many of our farms have been operating for generations and kept in the family. I am also impressed with the technological advancements our farms continue to make, like new software to track herd data, robotic milking systems, gear for cows that can track body temperature and rumination patterns to find illnesses before they happen or in early stages, and more. This makes our state a leader that other states look to.

As we wind down this month and continue through the year, take a moment to thank a dairy farmer. A whole lot of work went into that glass of milk, and that slice of cheese helps bring in a lot of cheddar!