The month of June has arrived and with it, an annual effort to promote the dairy industry is underway. Kathleen Cuddy  is encouraging Iowans to raise a glass of milk to celebrate National Dairy Month.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “healthy people, healthy communities, healthy planet.” Cuddy is a spokesperson for the Midwest Dairy Association based in Ankeny. She says dairy production is big business in Iowa – from larger operations to small family farms.

“Iowa is the 13th largest milk producing state in the United States and in Iowa, there are more 1,600 licensed dairy herds,” Cuddy said. Several events are planned around the state this month, including tours of dairy operations.

The open houses are scheduled for June 9 in Decorah and June 16 in Hull. More information is available online at :www.midwestdairy.com.

By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City