LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan dairy industry rolled out the red carpet for Dairy Foods Awareness Day at the State Capitol on June 10. Its lawn was the stage for free dairy treats – everyone was invited to taste the temptation of Greek yogurt, sweet ice cream and creamy cheeses in celebration of June as National Dairy Month.

Sponsored by the Michigan Dairy Foods Assoc., the event observed the impact the state’s dairy industry has on its economy and the role it plays in feeding its citizens.

With nearly 90 processors repre-sented, ice cream was dipped by the Michigan State University Dairy Store, Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream and Hudsonville Ice Cream, among others.

Michigan state representative and lifelong dairy farmer Ed McBroom from Dickinson County was on hand to shine the spotlight on Michigan’s dairy industry and to introduce the headliner of the event, former Detroit Lions player Herman Moore. A four-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver, he stood in front of the crowd with a bowl of ice cream and expressed his support of Michigan’s dairy farmers and the importance of the industry to the state’s economy.

"Dairy is an important part of my family’s lifestyle and raising our children, it was just essential for their development," he said. "I have had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and I realize the benefits I get and the essential nutrients dairy provides in my daily diet." He also emphasized the importance of dairy in the fight against obesity.

While lines formed for the free dairy, several Michigan Dairy Ambassadors were on hand to communicate the importance of dairy in the diet and build a stronger connection between consumer and producer by answering questions about the industry.

Natalie Horning grew up on a dairy farm in Manchester and was one of the Ambassadors. "I think the biggest challenge facing the dairy industry is the gap between the farmer and the consumer," she said, adding she would like to help close that gap by being available to answer questions and promote the sector.

One day Horning has hopes of becoming an agriculture teacher so she can educate those who have had little exposure to the farm.

Michigan’s dairy industry is one of the largest segments of the state’s agriculture and tourism industry and it contributes $14.7 billion to the economy annually. Milk is a locally produced product and sold for consumption in Michigan, while surplus milk is exported to other states.

Dairy farming in Michigan is about supporting and promoting family businesses and entrepreneurship. About 97 percent of Michigan dairy farms are family-owned and -operated, often by more than one generation. Michigan ranks seventh nationally for total milk production and fifth for average milk production per cow.