June is Dairy Month and a time to celebrate the impact the dairy industry has in the region. Midwest Dairy Association Chairman and Parker, South Dakota dairy producer Allen Merrill says they are using this as a time to promote the industry to consumers.

He says as a way for farmers to connect to consumers they’re opening their doors to the public through various tours and open houses to also show them the innovation they use.

Merrill says during June Dairy Month and throughout the rest of the year the dairy industry is partnering with food service outlets on leveraged promotions of milk and dairy products. He says they have had great success leveraging the checkoff with these entities.

He says other success stories have included their partnership with Taco Bell and McDonald’s.