National Dairy Month is a time to honor hardworking dairy farmers and celebrate the nutritious milk and dairy foods they produce. Mississippi has about 48 working dairy farms with a typical dairy herd of about 150 milking cows. Mississippi’s top milk-producing counties are Copiah, Marion, and Walthall, and the total amount of milk produced in 2023 equaled 8.9 million gallons! And while dairy farmers are committed to making delicious and wholesome products, they’re also dedicated to creating a sustainable future.
Sustainability has come a long way on dairy farms. Today, on a farm, you can see greenhouse gas reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and much more. Dairy farmers in Mississippi and across the Southeast strive to protect our natural resources and increase efficiencies on the farm: a win-win for the planet, local communities, and supporting small businesses. A gallon of milk today requires 30% less water, 21% less land, and a 19% smaller carbon footprint than a decade ago.
Dairy also has a long legacy of established health benefits, and the key to any sustainable food system is nutrient-dense foods that contribute to overall health and well-being. Dairy foods are one of the most affordable and accessible high-quality protein sources. For example, one 8-ounce glass of milk provides 8 grams of complete, high-quality protein, providing all nine essential amino acids our body needs from food. Milk isn’t the only dairy source of complete, high-quality protein – yogurt and cheese are too.
The most consumed dairy products in Mississippi are cheese, followed closely by ice cream. And Mississippi has plenty of locally curated cheese and ice cream shops!
Johnston Hill Creamery in Oxford, Mississippi, offers an assortment of cheese products. All their cheese products are made by hand using milk and cream purchased locally using traditional methods and aged in-house in a 150-square-foot cheese cave.
Green Acres Creamery in Georgetown is a dairy farm run by the 3rd and 4th generations. They offer signature creamline milk and seasonal flavored favorites like Cookies and Cream, Strawberry, and Moo-Caccino, as well as homemade ice cream and ice cream pies.
Southern Cultured Creamery in Pontotoc, MS uses milk from their rotationally grazed cows for their artisanal cheeses and ice cream. Beason Family Farm in Philadelphia offers ice cream made with milk from grass-fed Jersey cows and other dairy products. Havens Down Home Creamery in Lucedale is known for its fresh creamline milk flavors.
You can talk about cheese or ice cream without talking about Mississippi State University (MSU). MSU operates a dairy farm for research and makes its famous three-pound Edam cheese ball, which comes in cheddar, jalapeno, and Vallagret varieties. The Custer Dairy Processing Plant produces 25,000 gallons of MSU’s ice cream yearly. Muscadine Ripple, a popular favorite, is created with muscadine grapes grown and harvested at the South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station.
This National Dairy Month, support Mississippi dairy farmers and a sustainable future by enjoying delicious, nutrient-rich dairy foods.
Try this gourmet grilled cheese and elevate your midday poolside meals this summer. Pairs perfectly with chips, water melon, and leaves room for some ice cream.
GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE
Makes 4 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
8 slices sourdough bread
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese, about 4 ounces total
8 slices thick cut Applewood smoked bacon, cooked (optional)
16 tomato slices
4 ounces arugula
4 slices Swiss cheese, about 4 ounces total
4 slices Monterey Jack cheese, about 4 ounces total
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place one slice of cheddar onto a piece of bread. Top with bacon (optional), tomato and arugula. Add remaining cheese. Place a piece of bread on top. Butter the top slice of bread.
- Warm a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place butter side down. Butter slice of bread facing up.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. (You can put a heavy skillet on top to help press it down for the cheese to melt faster.)
- Carefully flip the sandwich, and cook for 2-4 minutes on the second side.
- Wipe out the pan with a paper towel and repeat until all sandwiches are cooked
