PHILADELPHIA – Pennsylvania’s dairy promotion organizations celebrated June Dairy Month with the creation of a colossal ice cream sundae built during the Family Favorites Festival in Harrisburg.
The annual salute to dairy farmers is sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program on behalf of commonwealth dairy farmers, who work together to promote milk and dairy products. Dairy is the largest segment of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, generating more than $2.3 billion in economic activity annually. Each year, Pennsylvania’s 541,000 dairy cows produce 10.5 billion pounds, or 5.4 percent, of the nation’s total supply of milk annually.*
“Is there anything better than simple, wholesome milk? It’s a food that I feel good giving to my children, and I’m proud to provide it for your family, too,” said Kathy Walton, a Cumberland County dairy farmer who spoke on behalf of the state’s dairy farmers. “The milk at your local grocery store is simply produced and delivered to you fresh, packed with nutrients vital to good health.”
Joining Walton with opening remarks, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig read Gov. Corbett’s proclamation declaring June is Dairy Month in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Maria Jo Noble and other dairy princesses from across the state helped with the day’s festivities.
Following the opening remarks, volunteers created the giant sundae using 90 gallons of Turkey Hill vanilla ice cream. The mountain of ice cream was covered with 10 gallons of chocolate fudge, 10 gallons of cherries and 30 pounds of chopped pecans. The sundae was topped off with real whipped cream and a giant, 12-inch ball of cherries.
“June’s 30 days are a wonderful opportunity to salute the 7,200 Pennsylvania families who produce 5.4 percent of the nation’s total milk supply,” said Patty Purcell, CEO of Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. “Dairy farmers take great pride in caring for their animals. The public can be assured that dairy farmers are dedicated and committed to providing your family with a delicious and nutritious food. Your milk comes from a good place!”
Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program are the local planning and management organizations funded by dairy farmer checkoff dollars. They work closely with Dairy Management Inc.™ and are responsible for increasing demand for U.S.-produced dairy products on behalf of Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers. For more information, visit www.dairyspot.com.
Caption: Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture George Greig presents Gov. Corbett’s proclamation declaring June is Dairy Month in the Commonwealth to Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Maria Jo Noble and Kathy Walton, a Cumberland County dairy farmer.
Source: Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association