Press Releases

Dairy Checkoff Makes Splash at Recent Pennsylvania Farm Shows

CARLISLE, Pa. (January 28, 2004) - Dairy promotion was stronger than ever at the 2004 Keystone and Pennsylvania Farm Shows.

Throughout both shows, dairy's message spread to more than 8,000 consumers and 600 dairy farmers through interactive exhibits and displays. Dairy events were made possible by the farmer-funded dairy checkoff organizations - Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, American Dairy Association & Dairy Council Mid East and Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association - working together to increase dairy product demand.

The dairy checkoff program's booth at the Keystone Farm Show featured milk vending. Farmers who visited the booth were encouraged to get involved in trying to place milk vending machines in their local school districts. While at the booth, they learned more about how the dairy checkoff is managed efficiently and effectively and also received a pair of "Dairy Checkoff Works" work gloves for their continued support of the dairy checkoff program.

Visitors to the Pennsylvania Farm Show had the opportunity to learn more about the 3-A-Day of Dairy program through two interactive sports challenges. The soccer shootout and basketball pop-a-shot contest were a huge hit as kids of all ages tried their luck at getting three goals or baskets as a reminder to get three servings of dairy a day. Winners walked away with mini basketballs and soccer balls sporting the 3-A-Day logo. Visitors also had the chance to don a 3-A-Day of Dairy washable tattoo, along with picking up their favorite dairy recipes.

Dairy checkoff also sponsored several other events at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. A must-see attraction, the annual butter sculpture paid tribute to Milton Hershey and Hershey's 100th anniversary. This buttery work of art featured a replica of Milton Hershey made from milk chocolate and flanked by two cows made entirely of butter. The sides of the cows featured Pennsylvania's state outline and Keystone symbol, along with spots made of chocolate. In addition, a 300-pound Cheddar Cheese sculpture, housed in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's booth, was sculpted as a tribute to the Pennsylvania FFA Association's 75th Anniversary.

For more information, contact:
Laura England, (215) 627-8800, ext. 15; dairyspot@milk4u.org.