Dairy Farmers Incorporated / Interesting Facts and Figures about Milk

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	Follow the guidelines The science-based Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing foods that are nutrient-packed. Americans are encouraged to add more nutrient-packed foods they know and like, such as dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables to their diets. Dairy provides nine essential nutrients and may aid in weight loss and disease prevention.

	Avoid the stones Eating high-calcium foods may be an easy way to avoid painful kidney stones. Studies have shown that diets high in certain nutrients, such as calcium, may inhibit the formation of kidney stones. Dairy products are one of the best sources of dietary calcium.

	Eating well Dairy cows receive a nutritious diet to ensure that they produce wholesome, high-quality milk. In fact, dairy cow nutrition has been among the leading areas of agricultural research for several decades.

	Expert advice Nutrition experts recommend giving your body a nutrient boost by eating real foods instead of supplements. Calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt not only play a role in metabolism but also improve the body’s ability to burn fat.

	To your health! A Norwegian study found that women who drink milk on a daily basis are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who drink little or no milk.

	Beyond the borders Japan, Mexico and Canada are the top markets for importing U.S. dairy products.

	Historically speaking Milk has played an important role in America's history since 1611 when the first cows were brought to Jamestown, Va.

	That's a wrap The first plastic-coated paper milk cartons were introduced commercially in 1932.

	Got calcium? According to a government analysis, milk and milk products provide 83 percent of the calcium in the diets of young children, 77 percent of the calcium in the diets of teenage girls, and between 65 percent and 72 percent of the calcium in the diets of adults.

	Dairy Council history The National Dairy Council was founded in 1915 and conducts nutrition education and nutrition research programs through national, state and regional Dairy Council organizations, on behalf of America's dairy farmers

	For pizza lovers About one-fifth of all the cheese produced in the United States is used on pizzas.

	Well-aged cheese According to ancient records passed down through the centuries, the making of cheese dates back more than 4,000 years.

	Butter up! It takes 21.2 pounds of whole milk to make one pound of butter.

	Good for eyes and skin! Milk is a significant source of riboflavin, which helps promote healthy skin and eyes.

	Senior leadership The average age of the owner/operator of Florida's dairy farms is 56.

	Sleepy time A glass of milk before bedtime really does help you sleep. Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is touted to alleviate stress and produce seratonin, a brain chemical that helps control sleep.

	Big wheels a rollin The first tank trucks to transport milk were used in 1914.

	Special delivery Home milk delivery began in 1942 as a war conservation measure.

	The ultimate health drink The International Journal of Cancer found that women who drink milk on a daily basis are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who drink little or no milk.

	Leaving home The United States exported more than $1 billion in assorted dairy products in 2001.

	Busy cows Fluid milk sales nationwide in 2001 reached 59.02 billion pounds.

	All bottled up The milk bottle was invented in 1884 by Dr. Hervey D. Thatcher, Potsdam, New York.

	The chilly side of milk It takes 12 pounds of milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream.

	Milk is cool (literally!) When milk leaves the cow, it is 101 degrees. It quickly is cooled to 40 degrees.

	Fill 'er up The average cow produces enough milk per day to fill 90 glasses.

	Better get your calcium Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. This mineral also plays an important role in nerve function, muscle contraction and blood clotting. Each 8-ounce glass of milk provides 300 mg or 30 percent of the Daily Value.

	Keeping busy The Florida dairy industry employs nearly 4,000 people. More than 57,000 are employed in Florida agriculture overall, earning a total of $1 billion.

	Okeechobee is No. 1 Okeechobee is Florida's top dairy county with 2.5 times as many dairy cows as any other county. The three leading counties (Okeechobee, Gilchrist and Lafayette) account for just over one-third of the dairy cows in Florida.

	Environmentally sound Dairy Farmers recycle. About 170,000 tons (600,000 cubic yards) of byproducts such as citrus pulp and whole cottonseed are consumed by cows instead of ending up in landfills.

	That's a lot of milk! In 2001, Florida's dairy cows produced an average of 15,100 pounds (or nearly 1,700 gallons) of milk. This translates to about 60 to 90 pounds of milk each day.

	More cheese, please! Surveys show that 85 percent of American consumers say it's important that a sandwich feature cheese.

	The cows are home Florida is home to 237 dairy producers who account for more than 155,000 cows.

	Fresh Milk! The milk available to consumers for purchase at the store today was milked from a cow just two days ago on average.

	Say Cheese! Cheese is one of the best sources of calcium. It takes 19 cups of milk to make one pound of American cheese.