Here is a summary of some of the dairy promotion activities and events across the state in the past month. If you need information about events or materials, please contact Sarah-Baker Walker. [email protected]
Health Benefits of Dairy Promoted at Dairy Science
Field Day
On March 17 staffers Stephanie Yow and Donna Speed participated in the Mississippi State University Dairy Science Field Day at the university's dairy in Starkville. Over 150 students from across the state visited the dairy and rotated through stations to learn about different areas of dairy farming. The SUDIA/ADA of Mississippi station provided fun prizes to students who answered dairy trivia questions, offered smoothie samples during lunch, and spoke to students about the health benefits of dairy.
Click here to see an overview of the event. 

Photo: Students that have never even seen a cow got to experience dairy firsthand at the Dairy Science Field Day at Mississippi State University. 
Dairy Promoted to Dietitians with a
Yogurt Station
On March 28, the ADA of Mississippi sponsored a Yoga & Yogurt station for 135 dietitians at the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting in Biloxi. There was a yogurt parfait bar available to attendees as well as cheese platters for extra protein. Staff member Stephanie Yow also provided educational materials about the health benefits of dairy.

Photo: Staffer Stephanie Yow provides dairy education resources at the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual meeting in Biloxi.  
Great American Milk Drive Highlighted at Moonlight Market Fundraiser
On March 23, the Great American Milk Drive was highlighted at the Moonlight Market fundraiser for the Mississippi Food Network in Jackson. SUDIA/ADA of Mississippi was a sponsor of the event and provided insulated grocery totes for 150 attendees. Staffer Stephanie Yow provided information on dairy and the Great American Milk Drive as well as dairy promotional items.  

Photo: Staffer Stephanie Yow (right) promotes the Great American Milk Drive with Mississippi Food Network dietitians Millicent Crosby and Catherine Montgomery at the Moonlight Market. 
Checkoff Partnership Helps Increase Demand for Butter
As our checkoff partnership with McDonald's continues to create increased demand for dairy products, that increase is spreading to restaurants across the category.  For example, now that McDonald's has made the switch to butter, other restaurants are following suit. As the checkoff's work with partners continues, the increased use of butter and other dairy products on menus is likely to expand further. Click here to read more about the popularity of butter. Click here to see the commercial featuring butter in Burger King's new sandwich. 
Southeast Dairy Farmer Featured in Progressive Dairyman
Last month we covered Alabama dairy farmer Will Gilmer's attendance at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas and now his account of the event was featured in a recent issue of Progressive Dairyman. Click here to read his perspective of the festival and why it was important for dairy farmers to be represented.

Photo:  Alabama dairy farmer Will Gilmer (left) and Michigan dairy farmer Corby Werth were two of eight dairy farmers to attend South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival on behalf of the dairy industry.