Nashville, TN– Ansley O’Brien has been named the 2025 National Dairy Month chairman for Bedford County.
O’Brien was honored May 30 at the Tennessee National Dairy Month Kickoff Event at Ed Jones Auditorium in Nashville. The official kickoff celebration recognizes Tennessee 4-H members’ efforts to promote National Dairy Month in Tennessee.
Co-sponsored by The Dairy Alliance, the American Dairy Association of Tennessee, 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 a National Dairy Month chairman is really important to me because it gives me a chance to share what life is like on our small dairy farm in Bedford County and how hard our family works to care for our herd,” O’Brien said. “I want people to see how much love and effort goes into producing the milk they drink every day. It’s a way to represent my community and help others appreciate dairy farming.”
Ansley, a sophomore at Cascade High School, is the daughter of Caleb and Amanda O’Brien. O’Brien is a member of her school’s Future Farmers of America and takes dance classes. Ansley is an active member of her 4-H chapter, participating in livestock and dairy judgings, dairy showings, dairy and livestock quiz bowls, Honor Club, and All Stars.
“We wish Ansley much success in her role of communicating the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to the people in Bedford County,” said American Dairy Association of Tennessee vice president Steve Lee. “Ansley 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, June’s National Dairy Month 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 2024, there were an estimated 24,000 Tennessee dairy cows living on 120 dairy farms and producing 52 million gallons of milk. The top three milk producing Tennessee counties were: Loudon, McMinn, and Bradley.
This year’s theme, “Dairy Defenders,” 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/national-dairy-month.
