Press Releases

Celebrate June Dairy Month at the Capitol in Harrisburg

PHILADELPHIA (June 2, 2006) - Pennsylvania’s dairy promotion organizations will kick off June Dairy Month with the creation of a colossal ice cream sundae on the steps of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg on Wednesday, June 7.

Join the celebration as the dairy industry marks the 69th anniversary of honoring our nation’s hard-working dairy farmers. Dairy is the largest segment of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, generating an estimated $1.7 billion in economic activity.

“By celebrating June Dairy Month, we are giving Pennsylvanians the opportunity to thank the Commonwealth’s nearly 8,900 dairy farmers who work diligently year-round to provide consumers with a fresh supply of milk and quality dairy products,” said Don Duncan a Berks County dairy farmer and farmer spokesperson for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association.

Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program are working together to build demand for dairy products and to celebrate June Dairy Month. Consumers and dairy farmers alike are invited to join the festivities at the Capitol Building beginning at noon and ending with the last serving of ice cream.

To kick off the event, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis C Wolff, Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess Katie Skaggs and dairyman Don Duncan have been invited to speak on behalf of the state’s dairy industry and dairy farmers.

Following the opening remarks, dairy promotion staff will be joined by several county dairy princesses and the state dairy princess royalty in creating the giant sundae using 90 gallons of Turkey Hill vanilla ice cream. The sundae will be covered with six gallons of chocolate fudge, six gallons of strawberries and 30 pounds of chopped pecans, all donated by Turkey Hill Dairy of Lancaster. The sundae will be topped off with real whipped cream and a giant 12-inch ball of cherries.

According to Cindy Weimer, industry relations manager for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association, this event reinforces the common goals shared by farmers, milk processors and industry partners. “We are working together to bolster dairy’s image and build its future,” Weimer said. “This event is among the dairy promotion checkoff programs that are working to increase demand for dairy products.”

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. farmers.