June marks National Dairy Month—offering the perfect excuse to indulge in wholesome dairy products and celebrate the hardworking dairy farmers who produce them.

Since 1939, the annual observation has encouraged families to make milk their beverage of choice based on its value, nutritional qualities and wholesomeness.

Decades of research confirm dairy’s many health benefits, including promoting heart and bone health. Regarded as “Nature’s Sports Drink” by the National Dairy Council, research has shown that milk contains 13 essential nutrients important for growth and development.

The observance also offers the chance to honor the dairy farmers who make it all possible. According to The Dairy Alliance, 98% of U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated. Virginia’s 365 dairy farms produced 170 million gallons of milk daily in 2023, with Rockingham, Pittsylvania and Augusta counties leading in production.

Celebrate National Dairy Month with refreshing recipes, like homemade peach ice cream or cheesy guacamole.

Nothing elevates homemade ice cream like fresh flavors. While peak peach season is typically July through August in Virginia, many local orchards have peaches ripe and ready in June.

To find fresh peaches near you, visit the Virginia Grown website.


Homemade Peach Ice Cream

3 cups peeled, chopped peaches
1½ cups granulated sugar, divided
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cups whole milk
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ tablespoons pure vanilla
½ teaspoon salt

Peel, core and roughly chop the peaches; place them in a large mixing bowl. Add ½ cup sugar and lemon juice to the bowl, and stir until well combined. Set the peaches aside for about an hour.

In a medium bowl, combine milk, cream, the remaining 1 cup sugar, vanilla and salt. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved—about 2 minutes.

Add the milk mixture to the peaches, and stir well. Pour the mixture into the freezer canister of an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

—Recipe adapted from The Dairy Alliance


Cheesy Guacamole

16 ounces cottage cheese (lactose-free)
1 cup diced avocado
½ cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon  ground coriander
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

Purée cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth.

In a small bowl, combine the avocado, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, cumin, coriander and garlic powder. Mash with a fork until chunky.

Mix in the cottage cheese and cheddar, reserving some cheddar to use as a garnish.

—Recipe adapted from the National Dairy Council®