Lily Martin has been named the 2019 June Dairy Month Chairman for DeKalb County.
Martin will be honored May 30 at the Tennessee June Dairy Month Kickoff Event at Battle Mountain Farm in College Grove. The event includes recognition from Celeste Blackburn, president of the American Dairy Association of Tennessee, and John Harrison.
The official kickoff celebration recognizes Tennessee 4-H member’s efforts to promote June Dairy Month in Tennessee. The event is co-sponsored by The Dairy Alliance, 4-H and the Tennessee Farm Bureau.
June Dairy Month activities are designed to communicate the value of milk and other dairy products to Tennessee consumers. Chairpersons play a vital role in spreading dairy’s message in their communities.
“My mother did this in the 80s when she was in 4-H. I have heard her talk about all the things she did and it sounds like fun,” Martin said. “I love dairy products and want to promote their benefits.”
Martin, a sophomore at DeKalb County High School, is the daughter of April and Gilbert Martin. Lily is a cheerleader and an active member of her 4-H chapter, participating in health, nutrition and fitness projects. She’s competed in wildlife judging and livestock judging. Lily is part of the winning Outdoor Meat Cookery team and the county winner in project, demonstration and public speaking.
“We wish Lily much success in her role of communicating the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to the people in DeKalb County,” said American Dairy Association of Tennessee president Celeste Blackburn. “Lily will appreciate the cooperation of the people there. Her interest and enthusiasm will result in a better informed community from which all will benefit.”
Originally deemed “National Milk Month” by American grocers in 1937, National Dairy Month began to promote dairy consumption during peak milk production in the summer. Today, it continues celebrating with the Southeast’s communities and companies through festivals, contests and even a special night dedicated to dairy farmers at the ballpark.
In 2018, there were an estimated 37,000 Tennessee dairy cows living on 205 dairy farms producing 73.7 million gallons, or approximately 634 million pounds, of milk. The top five milk producing Tennessee counties were: Loudon, Monroe, Bradley, Bedford and McMinn.
This year’s theme, “Dairy is in Our DNA,” encourages families to make milk their first beverage choice due to its unique package of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are an essential part of a healthy diet. With local media and farm bureaus, dairy farmers will be working alongside The Dairy Alliance to engage consumers through social media, radio contests, T-shirt giveaways, events and more. For more information on how you can celebrate June Dairy Month please visit us online at www.thedairyalliance.com/june-dairy-month/.
