[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 23, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H4583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
JUNE IS NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH
(Mr. VALADAO asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues on the House floor
today may not know that June is National Dairy Month. As a dairy farmer
myself, I believe this month is a perfect opportunity to recognize how
important the dairy industry is to the Central Valley.
Not only are there dairy farms in all 50 States, but dairy is the
number one agriculture business in 10 States, including Idaho, New
York, and Wisconsin. However, my home State of California is the
biggest dairy producer in the country and is responsible for 21.3
percent of the U.S. milk supply. My own district, California 21,
produces the most dairy of any congressional district in the Nation.
However, dairy isn't just important to farmers. Not only do Americans
consume at least two cups of dairy products each and every day, but
America's dairy industry is important to our Nation's agriculture
market and our entire economy.
Dairy farms across the country improve our national economy. The U.S.
dairy industry creates an estimated $140 billion in economic output,
$29 billion in household earnings, and is responsible for creating more
than 900,000 jobs.
So this summer when you stop for ice cream on a hot night or a bowl
of cereal on a rushed morning, remember the hard-working Americans who
brought dairy to your grocery store.
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