June is National Dairy Month and a time for everyone to recognize the health benefits of dairy. Consuming dairy provides important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Calcium is critical to keeping your bones healthy and preventing osteoporosis and Vitamin D increases efficiency of absorption of calcium and immune health. Additionally, protein is vital in muscle growth and retaining muscle mass, crucial in a healthy lifestyle.
Iowa is one of the top producers in the United States for total milk production, producing about 2.5 percent of our nation’s milk. This could not be done without the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers across Iowa.
Our farmers spend countless hours tending to their cattle making sure they have the necessary nutrition and quality of life to produce top-grade milk. This milk is then pasteurized and processed into goods in addition to milk such as cheese, butter, cream cheese, and yogurt.
Farming in Iowa has long been a way of life with many families working for generations on the same land. During my time in Congress, I have been able to speak with countless farmers to see what I can do to support the work they do to feed the world. Recently, farmers have been hit hard by the supply chain crisis, inflation, the rising cost of inputs, unpredictable weather, and the pandemic, disrupting farming practices across Iowa and the country.
I am committed to continuing advocating for Iowa’s farmers to navigate burdensome overregulation from Washington so that they can continue to produce quality nutritional goods for consumers to enjoy and support their way of life.
Make sure that during the month of June to support Iowa’s farmers by buying local dairy products. Every day our farmers are striving to provide the American people with the necessary nutrition to grow and remain healthy.
The end of June shouldn’t end the consumption of dairy products, especially in growing children. I encourage all Americans to continue to celebrate National Dairy Month beyond June and continue consuming dairy to support local farmers. Dairy has a variety of health benefits that are hard to find in other foods and its value cannot be overstated.
