National Dairy Month – Jun. 1, 2026

National Dairy Month
Categories:
Tags:
American foodFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every June
Holiday emoji:
🥛

National Dairy Month invites everyone to celebrate the rich, nutritious world of dairy throughout June. Originally a grocery promotion, it now highlights the vital health benefits of milk, cheese, and yogurt. Discover new recipes, support local dairy farms, and enjoy your favorite dairy treats all month long!

Want to sponsor National Dairy Month? Learn how

Expected National Dairy Month Deals

Throughout National Dairy Month, expect major retailers and dairy brands to roll out month-long promotions and special offers. In past years, grocery chains like Kroger and Walmart have featured discounts on milk, cheese, and yogurt, while specialty stores such as Whole Foods Market often highlight artisanal dairy products. Look for ice cream brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Haagen-Dazs to offer seasonal flavors or BOGO deals. Dairy producers like Tillamook and Chobani may run online contests or in-store sampling events. Local creameries and farmers’ markets will likely host special tasting events and farm tours. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.

Platform Guide for National Dairy Month

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalDairyMonth. Share quick, creative recipes featuring dairy products or a ‘day in the life’ on a dairy farm.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDairyMonth. Post visually appealing photos of dairy-rich meals, artisanal cheeses, or visits to local creameries.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDairyMonth. Share family-friendly dairy recipes, health tips, or local dairy farm events with your community.

Social Media Tips for National Dairy Month

Individuals

Try a 30-day dairy challenge, incorporating a different dairy product into your diet each day. Share your journey and favorite finds, or visit a local dairy farm for a tour.

Creators

Develop a series of engaging videos or blog posts that explore the versatility of dairy, from cooking with different cheeses to making homemade ice cream. Highlight its nutritional benefits.

Brands

Launch a month-long 'Dairy Delights' recipe contest, encouraging user-generated content featuring your products. Partner with local farms or charities for cross-promotion and community engagement.

Top Brands for National Dairy Month

  1. Dairy Farmers of America

    Founded in 1998, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is a national milk marketing cooperative and dairy food company owned by thousands of dairy farmer members across the United States. It processes and markets dairy products globally.

  2. National Milk Producers Federation

    Established in 1916, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is a dairy farmer-funded organization that develops and advocates for policies and programs to improve the economic well-being and health of dairy farmers and the dairy industry.

  3. Tillamook

    The Tillamook County Creamery Association, founded in 1909 in Tillamook, Oregon, is a farmer-owned cooperative known for its high-quality cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products. It emphasizes natural ingredients and sustainable practices.

  4. Ben & Jerry's

    Founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont, by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, this iconic ice cream company is known for its creative flavors and commitment to social and environmental justice. It sources dairy from family farms.

  5. Chobani

    Founded in 2007 by Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani is a leading producer of Greek yogurt in the United States. The company is committed to using only natural, non-GMO ingredients and supporting local communities and dairy farmers.

  6. Cabot Creamery

    Cabot Creamery Co-operative, established in 1919 in Cabot, Vermont, is owned by dairy farm families across New England and New York. It is renowned for its award-winning cheddar cheese, butter, and other dairy products.

  7. Fairlife

    Fairlife, founded in 2012, is a Coca-Cola Company brand that produces ultra-filtered milk products. Their milk undergoes a unique filtration process to concentrate protein and calcium while reducing sugar, offering a distinct nutritional profile.

National Dairy Month Hero

H.H. Kildee

Henry H. Kildee (1884-1970) was a prominent figure in dairy science and education, serving as Dean of Agriculture at Iowa State University. He played a crucial role in promoting the dairy industry and is often credited with helping to establish 'National Milk Month' (the precursor to National Dairy Month) in 1937, advocating for the nutritional benefits of dairy products.

National Dairy Month timeline

​1796
​Milkmaid folklore led to smallpox vaccine

Legend has it that milkmaids seemed to be immune from the smallpox plagues as they swept through Europe. English physician Edward Jenner developed a vaccine for smallpox based upon this folk knowledge.

​1525
​Cattle came to the Americas

​The first cattle to arrive in the New World landed in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Soon afterward, some made their way across the Rio Grande to proliferate in the wild, and they became known as Texas Cattle.

4000 BC​
​The first evidence of milking cows discovered

​Through analyzing degraded fats on unearthed potshards, scientists have discovered that Neolithic farmers in Britain and Northern Europe may have been among the first to begin milking cattle for human consumption.

​8000 BC
​Cows were domesticated

​Aurochs, the wild ancestors of modern cows, were first domesticated 8,000 to 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent area of the Near East.

​
​

​

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Dairy Month

Local businesses can celebrate National Dairy Month by featuring dairy-centric specials, such as a ‘Cheese of the Week’ at a deli, or a special ‘Milkshake Monday’ at a diner. Restaurants can create limited-time menus highlighting dishes with local dairy products, and grocery stores can host tasting events or partner with local dairy farms for promotions. Emphasize the nutritional benefits and versatility of dairy through in-store signage or social media campaigns.

National Dairy Month FAQs

When is National Dairy Month?

National Dairy Month runs throughout June 2026, celebrating dairy farmers and the nutritious products they provide. It’s a full month dedicated to enjoying milk, cheese, yogurt, and more.

What are the health benefits of dairy products?

Dairy products are packed with essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein, which are crucial for bone health and overall well-being. Regular consumption can support muscle growth and contribute to a balanced diet.

How many dairy farms operate in the U.S.?

As of recent estimates, there are roughly 27,000 dairy farms operating across the United States. While the number has declined over decades, these farms continue to produce the majority of the nation’s milk supply.

Why was National Dairy Month created?

National Dairy Month was originally established in 1937 as ‘National Milk Month’ to promote milk consumption and help stabilize the dairy market during a period of surplus. It quickly evolved into a broader celebration of the entire dairy industry.

How to Observe National Dairy Month

  1. Have an ice cream sundae party

    Invite some friends over for a summer treat as you add some potassium, calcium, and yes, some sugar, to your diet.

  2. Visit a local dairy farm

    Find out where it all comes from. Go to a nearby dairy farm to learn how the process works from the start.

  3. Drink milk to rehydrate

    Studies show that milk is superior to water and sports drinks after a workout. Milk is rich in sodium and potassium — both of which help to retain fluids and cause your body to sweat less. In addition, milk contains protein to help your muscles recover quickly.

4 Dairy Delicious Facts About Milk

  1. Got milk?

    ​Milk is the only food that you can survive on alone. It has every nutrient you need.

  2. ​The world loves milk

    ​The world's population consumes over 2.1 billion liters every day. That’s enough to fill up 813 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

  3. ​Cows have friends

    ​Dairy cows are social animals. Like people, they will make friends and bond with some, while avoiding others.

  4. ​Cows can produce a ton of milk

    ​A cow turns grass into milk within two to three days. Depending on the breed, a cow can make between 25 and 40 liters of milk per day.

Why National Dairy Month is Important

  1. Dairy is good for your bones

    Calcium is crucial to the growth and strengthening of bones. A simple glass of milk, some yogurt, or a piece of cheese helps to fight off brittle bones and osteoporosis.

  2. Dairy reduces blood pressure

    Diets rich in potassium help maintain healthy blood pressure. Dairy products — especially yogurt, fluid milk, and soy milk — provide potassium, and can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.

  3. Milk is good for your teeth

    Your teeth get stronger and healthier when you drink milk. Calcium helps protect your teeth against gum disease and keeps your jawbone strong and healthy. In addition, the protein helps to neutralize acids in the mouth.

National Dairy Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 June 1 Monday
2027 June 1 Tuesday
2028 June 1 Thursday
2029 June 1 Friday
2030 June 1 Saturday