Dairy Resources for Curious Minds

June is National Dairy Month, a time to recognize the farmers, families, and businesses that work every day to provide one of America's most important food sources. From the milk in our refrigerators to the cheese on our sandwiches and the ice cream we enjoy on a summer evening, dairy products are a part of everyday life for many families.

National Dairy Month began in 1937 as National Milk Month to promote dairy consumption during the summer months. Today, it has grown into a celebration of the entire dairy industry and the hardworking dairy producers who help feed our nation.

We're excited to share a few agricultural education resources with our Neighbors.

Whether you're a parent looking for summer learning activities, a teacher preparing classroom lessons, a homeschool family seeking hands-on resources, or simply someone who wants to learn more about agriculture, we've gathered educational materials that explain the dairy industry in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

As we celebrate National Dairy Month, we invite you to explore the resources below and share them with the students, educators, and families in your life. Each yellow title is a clickable link taking you to the lesson.

• From Cow to Carton: Milk's Journey to the Consumer

  • Explore milk production in the United States and learn about homogenization, pasteurization, and milk fortification.

• Milk or Meat? Beef or Dairy?

  • Learn how to identify the differences between beef and dairy cattle and determine the commodities produced by each type of cattle. 

• Ag Mag for Kids - Dairy

  • This interactive digital magazine leads readers through all facets of the dairy community. From tech to careers, to terminology and vocabulary.

• Ag-Venture with Dairy

  • This printable worksheet is a companion to the Ag Mag above.

• Balancing Cow

  • This lesson is a fun, hands-on activity designed to help you understand what factors cause objects to move.

• The Dairy Reader

  • Tackle dairy nutrition and milk around the world. Learn how to make butter at home and take on dairy history.

• Ag Across America

  • Learn about different agricultural commodities grown across the United States and answer questions from real farmers to win prizes and build your own farm through this game.

Happy National Dairy Month!