June Dairy Month Kicks Off in Tennessee
NASHVILLE – June 3, 2009 – June Dairy Month, the national celebration of America’s dairy farmers, kicked off today in Tennessee and brought together farm families, government officials and other state dignitaries. Tennessee Titans linebacker David Thornton, the event’s keynote speaker, educated guests on the importance of good health with “Fuel Up To Play,” the theme of this year’s June Dairy Month.
“I’ve teamed with the Southeast Dairy Association to empower Tennessee’s children to ‘Fuel Up To Play,’” said Thornton. “That means choosing foods that are naturally high in nutrition, such as low fat and fat free milk, cheese or yogurt for strong bones and healthy bodies, and to strive for 60 minutes of physical activity every day.”
State Sen. Charlotte Burks and state Rep. Henry Fincher were honored for their sponsorship of legislation designating milk as the official state beverage. The bill was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Phil Bredesen on April 2.
“Milk is one of the healthiest beverages you can find,” said Sen. Burks. “As a farmer myself, I know dairy farmers are struggling in this tough economy, and I hope this designation will encourage more people to realize the benefits of milk.”
The event also recognized local 4-H chapters and members, including the 36 June Dairy Month county chairpersons, Joshua Moore, the 17-year-old winner of the June Dairy Month poster contest and the Dairy Quiz Bowl champions.
“The dairy farmers of Tennessee are very pleased that milk has been recognized as the official state beverage and we thank Sen. Burks and Rep. Fincher for their efforts,” said Randy Davis, president of the American Dairy Association of Tennessee. “As dairy farmers we work hard to produce a naturally nutritious food for all to enjoy.”
June Dairy Month will be celebrated locally throughout Tennessee, including upcoming events in Greene County, Lincoln County and Robertson County.
“June Dairy Month is a great event and tradition that I look forward to every year,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens. “Dairy production is among our top farming enterprises and generates more than $200 million annually at the farm level. I’m pleased that Governor Bredesen has again marked this occasion with a proclamation officially declaring June as Dairy Month in Tennessee.” Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Terry Oliver presented the proclamation to Davis on behalf of Bredesen and Givens.
About the Southeast Dairy Association
On behalf of dairy farm families, the non-profit Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA), works with schools, health professionals, retailers, dairy processors and the public to promote dairy foods. For more information, visit www.southeastdairy.org.
NFL Player arrangements made by NFL PLAYERS, the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association.
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Photo Caption: To kick off activities recognizing milk as the state's official beverage, Tennessee Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Terry Oliver presents a proclamation by Governor Phil Bredesen declaring June Dairy Month to dairyman Randy Davis at the annual June Dairy Month Luncheon in Nashville.
Contact: Reneé Spurlin, 404.814.1330, rspurlin@c21pr.com