PHOTO RELEASE: MDARD’s Chief Deputy Director Ken McFarlane Celebrates National Dairy Month by Visiting K&K Dairy, Michigan Milk Producers Association, & Park Lake Creamery in[...]

The dairy industry is Michigan's largest agricultural commodity

Bath, MI - Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Chief Deputy Director Ken McFarlane joined representatives from Michigan's dairy industry to celebrate National Dairy Month. The group visited several dairy businesses in Mid-Michigan, including, K & K Dairy, Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Park Lake Creamery.

"I'm excited to celebrate Michigan's thriving dairy industry this month! Michigan is home to nearly 1,000 dairy farms, and several popular dairy foods, like milk, cheese, and yogurt, are made right here and are full of nutrient-rich vitamins," said McFarlane. "Businesses like Park Lake Creamery and K & K Dairy show the positive and robust impact the dairy industry has on Michigan's economy."

Since 1939, National Dairy Month has encouraged families to celebrate milk as their beverage of choice based on its nutritional value. Dairy's rich history continues with communities, companies and people from across the region observing National Dairy Month in a variety of ways.

K & K Dairy is a fourth-generation Westphalia farm, home to 250 dairy cows and 1,900 acres of crops. They are committed to providing consumers with the freshest, most wholesome milk. Most of the crops grown on their land are fed to their cows. Cow care is a top priority at K & K Dairy Farms.

"Michigan has some of the most progressive dairy farmers in the country. Every day they go above and beyond to care for their cows and provide nutritious and delicious dairy foods," said Dwyer Williams, CEO of United Dairy Industry of Michigan, which works on behalf of all Michigan dairy farmers. "Because of this commitment to continuous improvement, Michigan ranks number one in milk production per cow."

Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) was established in 1916, as a milk marketing cooperative and processor owned by dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. MMPA operates two Michigan manufacturing plants in Ovid and Constantine. These plants produce high-quality dairy products to be sold to food manufacturers.

Park Lake Creamery is a gourmet chocolate, ice cream and coffee shop located on a lake in Bath, Michigan. They proudly make their products from scratch, utilizing simple wholesome ingredients. The creamery serves a full selection of premium chocolates, ice cream desserts and unique coffee drinks. Park Lake Creamery even allows guests to enjoy an ice cream while being able to rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the surroundings more.

Throughout 2022, MDARD Director Gary McDowell and other members of MDARD are meeting with Michigan's food and agricultural businesses having conversations focused on how they can continue to thrive in Michigan's new economy and how best MDARD can assist their continuous development.