WHEREAS, in keeping since 1939, June has been designated as the time to celebrate the bounty of dairy products and pay tribute to U.S. dairy farmers and their contribution to and important role in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, one hundred thirty-seven Maine dairy farms care for herds of cows, goats, and sheep and steward 700,000 acres of desirable and critical farmland, which also provide numerous public benefits in addition to agricultural products, such as scenic and open spaces that enhance their communities; and

WHEREAS, Maine is home to award-winning cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, and butter made exclusively with Maine milk and cream, and processors who bottle and sell milk at retail locations across the state year-round; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s dairy sector contributes an estimated $2.96 billion in total economic impact, including more than 13,000 jobs, nearly 5,000 directly on farms and in dairy processing, and over 8,000 indirectly in supporting industries; and

WHEREAS, dairies are small businesses that provide direct and indirect support to employees and families, as well as critical food system businesses such as farm and feed supply stores, trucking and transportation companies, veterinarians, and more; and

WHEREAS, Maine dairy operations generate over $793 million in total wages, contribute nearly $186 million in federal taxes and $154 million in state taxes, and represent 3 percent of Maine’s total Gross Domestic Product, underscoring their role as a vital economic engine; and

WHEREAS, Maine is part of a multi-state effort supporting the viability of dairying via the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, which supports market innovation, farmer training, and product development using local milk;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of June 2025 as

Dairy Month

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to support and appreciate Maine’s dairy farmers and dairy products.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this thirtieth day of May Two Thousand Twenty-Five