Wisconsin a strong advocate for JDM promotions

JUNEAU June Dairy Month began as “National Milk Month” in the summer of 1937 in response to a surplus of milk on the market that spring. The promotion was expanded in 1939 to include all dairy products and, in 1940, Wisconsin Governor Julius P. Heil officially proclaimed June to be Dairy Month in Wisconsin. While the designation of June Dairy Month gave national marketers an opportunity to generate interest in dairy products, the war era quickly reduced the publicity efforts. The post-war era looked more promising; it was during this time that butter became the publicity-generator of choice, with a high emphasis on “Sales, not Surplus”. In 1955 the American Dairy Association became the leader of campaigns for June Dairy Month, and began to involve communities and businesses nationwide. Wisconsin, the nation’s official Dairy State, has led the way with many communities offering cattle shows, ice cream sponsorships, cow-milking contests, parades, and festivals around the rural areas. With an emphasis on the local farmer, Wisconsin continues to promote June Dairy Month for publicity, networking, awareness, and promotion of the dairy industry.