Jenna Cantrell has been named the 2018 June Dairy Month Chairman for DeKalb County. June Dairy Month activities are designed to communicate the value of milk and dairy products to Tennessee consumers, and chairpersons play a vital role in spreading dairy’s message in their community.
Cantrell will be honored at the Tennessee June Dairy Month Kickoff Event in College Grove at Battle Mountain Farm on May 30. The event will include recognition from Celeste Blackburn, president of the American Dairy Association of Tennessee.
“As June Dairy Month Chairman, I will be given the ability to thank local dairy farmers and promote dairy in DeKalb County,” Cantrell said.
The celebration, which officially kicks off June Dairy Month in Tennessee, recognizes Tennessee 4-H member’s efforts to promote June Dairy Month. The event is co-sponsored by The Dairy Alliance, 4-H and the Tennessee Farm Bureau.
“I am passionate about the dairy industry because it allows me to educate my community about dairy farms, the nutritional benefits and spotlighting local dairy farms,” Cantrell said. “This has given me the opportunity to give back to my community!”
Jenna is the daughter of Tony and Amee Cantrell and is in eighth grade at DeKalb Middle School. Cantrell participates in Jr. Beta Club and DeKalb Performing Arts.
“We wish Jenna much success in her role of communicating the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to the people in DeKalb County,” said American Dairy Association of Tennessee president Celeste Blackburn. “Jenna will appreciate the cooperation of the people there. Her interest and enthusiasm will result in a better informed community from which all will benefit.”
Jenna is an active member of her 4-H chapter, participating in horse judging, Honor Club and livestock judging.
National Dairy Month began in 1937 as a way to promote dairy consumption during peak milk production in the summer. Today, its rich history continues with communities, companies, and people from the Southeast celebrating in a variety of ways, including festivals, contests and even a special night dedicated to dairy farmers at the ballpark.
In 2017, there were an estimated 40,000 Tennessee dairy cows living on 270 dairy farms that produced 80.6 million gallons, or approximately 693 million pounds, of milk. The top six milk producing Tennessee counties were: Loudon, Monroe, Bradley, Bedford, McMinn and Washington.
This year’s theme, “Get More with Milk,” focuses on the consumer, and encourages families to make milk their first beverage choice due to its unique package of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are an essential part of a healthy diet. Dairy farmers will be working alongside The Dairy Alliance with local media and farm bureaus to promote dairy and engage consumers through social media, radio contests, T-shirt giveaways, events and more. For more information on how you can “Get More with Milk” and celebrate June Dairy Month, please visit us online at www.junedairymonth.org.
