From press release:
Nashville, TN– Bonza Rose Auberson has been named the 2021 June Dairy Month Chairman for Putnam County.
Auberson was honored May 21 at the Tennessee June Dairy Month Kickoff Event at Battle Mountain Farm in College Grove. The event included recognition from Celeste Blackburn, president of the American Dairy Association of Tennessee. The official kickoff celebration recognized Tennessee 4-H member’s efforts to promote June’s National Dairy Month in Tennessee.
Co-sponsored by The Dairy Alliance, 4-H and the Tennessee Farm Bureau, National Dairy Month activities are designed to communicate the value of milk and other dairy products to Tennessee consumers. Chairpersons play a vital role in spreading dairy’s message in their communities.
“Being the June Dairy Month Chairman means that I can raise awareness for the local dairies in my county,” Auberson said. “I am passionate about the dairy industry because it is a hard business to run in these times, especially for the local farms in Putnam County. I want people to know this so we can come together and keep the dairy business alive.”
Bonza, an eighth grader at Algood Middle School, is the daughter of Jeff and Shannon Auberson. At school, she is a Beta Club officer and a representative on the student council, as well as a member of the band, the golf team and the Odyssey team. She studies dance at StageOne Dance and is a member of the First United Methodist Youth Choir. Bonza is an active member of her 4-H chapter, participating in demonstration, exhibition, public speaking, judging and skillathons.
“We wish Bonza much success in her role of communicating the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to the people in Putnam County,” said American Dairy Association of Tennessee president Celeste Blackburn. “Bonza will appreciate the cooperation of the people there. Her interest and enthusiasm will result in a better informed community from which all will benefit.”
Originally deemed “National Milk Month” by American grocers in 1937, National Dairy Month began to promote dairy consumption during peak milk production in the summer. Today, it continues celebrating with the Southeast’s communities and companies through festivals, contests and even a special night dedicated to dairy farmers at the ballpark.
In 2020, there were an estimated 30,000 Tennessee dairy cows living on 180 dairy farms producing 63 million gallons of milk. The top five milk producing Tennessee counties were: Loudon, Bradley, Monroe, McMinn and Bedford.
This year’s theme, “Dairy Potter,” encourages families to make milk their first beverage choice due to its unique package of vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are an essential part of a healthy diet. With local media and farm bureaus, dairy farmers will be working alongside The Dairy Alliance to engage consumers through social media, radio contests, T-shirt giveaways, events and more. For more information on how you can celebrate National Dairy Month, please visit us online at www.thedairyalliance.com/dairy-farming/june-dairy-month/.