Please join me in celebrating June Dairy Month.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue, I am fortunate to get a firsthand look at the impact dairy farms have on our state. After all, there is a reason why we are known as America’s Dairyland.

The dairy industry contributes $52.8 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy and employs about 121,000 local workers.

Just as impressive, Wisconsin ranks as the top state in the country for cheese production, generating 3.64 billion pounds per year. We are also responsible for almost 15 percent of our nation’s milk.

Knowing the importance of the dairy sector to Wisconsin, my Joint Finance Committee colleagues and I included funding in the most recent state budget to continue the Dairy Innovation Hub program.

This initiative allows Wisconsin to remain at the forefront of the industry by focusing on dairy research, education and outreach.

One of the ways you can personally recognize June Dairy Month is by attending a Breakfast on the Farm in your community. These gatherings provide a great opportunity to meet and support your local farmers. And you get to enjoy a delicious meal as well.

You can find the dates and locations of all the Breakfast on the Farm events at www.wisconsindairy.org/june-dairy-month.

Happy June Dairy Month.