Dairy Month Kick-Off Features 90-Gallon Ice Cream Sundae Served on Capitol Steps

To: STATE EDITORS

Contact: Jean Kummer of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, +1-717-787-5085

HARRISBURG, Pa.,June 3/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff shared the scoop on Pennsylvanias dairy industry and kicked off June Dairy Month with a 90-gallon ice cream sundae served on the Capitol steps today.

During June, we pay tribute to the economic driver of our states agriculture industry – the dairy industry, said Wolff. The dairy industry generates 33 percent of all agricultural income and generates more than $1.56 billion in revenue each year. Thats something to celebrate.

Thanks to Governor Rendells continued support of the industry, particularly through his recommendations to the Farm Bill, Pennsylvanias 8,200 dairy farm families will have additional support to help grow their businesses.

The 2008 Food, Energy and Nutrition Act, also known as the Farm Bill, is a key piece of legislation that affects all citizens through agriculture and nutrition planning for the next five years. Governor Edward G. Rendell made dairy policy recommendations to help safeguard producers in times of low milk prices and provide support in times of heightened feed costs.

Wolff added that dairy producers work diligently each day to provide a safe, wholesome and nutritious product for all consumers to enjoy in their daily diets.

Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation in milk production, thanks to its 550,000 dairy cows that produce 10.7 billion pounds, or 5.9 percent of the national supply. The state also ranks third in butter production and seventh in cheese and low-fat ice cream production.

To learn more about the Pennsylvania dairy industry, visit the departments Center for Dairy Excellence Web site at www.centerfordairyexcellence.com.

EDITORS NOTE:The text of Governor Rendells proclamation declaring June as Dairy Month is below:

DAIRY MONTH -JUNE 2008

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is the leading agricultural industry in the Keystone State, contributing 33 percent of all agricultural income and generating more than $1.56 billion in revenue to the economy of this Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, 8,200 commercial dairy farm families manage 550,000 cows which produce 10.7 billion pounds, or 5.9 percent, of the nation’s total supply of milk annually, ranking Pennsylvania fifth in the nation in milk production; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania’s dairy manufacturers continue to lead the country in the production of butter (3rd), all cheese (7th), milk sherbet (7th), and low-fat ice cream (7th); and

WHEREAS, Dairy Month offers an opportunity to honor both farm families and the food processors who provide consumers with a wide variety of fresh, wholesome dairy products, which provide essential nutrients to growing bodies and are a vital part of a healthy diet; and

WHEREAS, milk was named the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on April 29, 1992, by Pennsylvania’s General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is proud of its dairy industry and the important contribution it makes to our economy and the welfare of our citizens. We salute dairy farmers and their families for the strength and vitality they bring to rural communities throughout the Commonwealth, and their commitment to using the most modern technology for maximum efficiency.

THEREFORE, In recognition of our thriving dairy industry, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as DAIRY MONTH in Pennsylvania. I urge all citizens to enjoy the Commonwealth’s official beverage and other dairy products while recognizing the industry’s contributions to our economy and our health.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this first day of June in the Year of our Lord two thousand and eight, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-second.

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

CONTACT:

Jean Kummer

(717) 787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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