June is national dairy month and some Mississippians will raise a glass of cold milk in celebratory fashion.
Even though the dairy landscape has changed drastically over the past 60 years the product is still the same. In 1950 there were roughly 22 million cows in the United States.
Roll the clock forward to the year 2000 that number had dropped to 9 million.
Now that the total number of cows has leveled, 8.72 million in 2019, we have learned that this industry does everything that it can to survive.
In 1950 the average cow produced a little over 5 thousand pounds of milk for the year while by 2000 the average cow toppled 18 thousand pounds.
Drastic changes in management and facilities over the past 60 years has definitely shaped the industry and its productivity.
However that has not helped the industry stay strong.
Even though Mississippi has not had a large portion of the nation's market the industry inside the state has made the changes necessary to help sustain their way of living.
Where there were once hundreds of dairies in some of the counties in Mississippi now there are only around 65 statewide.
One of the biggest reasons for the decline in farms is because the average age of the dairy farmer is right at retirement age.
These men and women are looking to pass off their hard work and lifelong dedication to the next generation but there are few that are in line willing to take it.
As a dairy farmer you do not get a day off and most parlors milk every 12 hours and many of the tasks are intensively hands on.
Another reason for the decline is the change of the family diet. In the 1950s there were very few options other than milk for consumption.
In today's market there are numerous options some that even imitate milk.
So, in the next week take time to remember the men and women around the state providing an $871 million dollar industry that is growing old.
Support your state’s dairies by enjoying a cold glass of milk, a big bowl of ice cream, or an old fashion cheeseburger.
The nutritional benefits like calcium for the young adult and older adults bone mass, the carbohydrates and protein needed by all athletes, and potassium and others that help with blood flow and pressure are just added benefits.
These men and women have devoted their lives to feeding us take the chance to return the favor and support them.
