Dara Moreland
Darah Moreland has been named the 2025 National Dairy Month chairman for Hamilton County.
Ms. Moreland was honored Friday 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," officials said.
“This is an opportunity to share knowledge with my community, to highlight the important work of our local dairy farmers, and to encourage good stewardship of our resources,” Ms. Moreland said. “By supporting our local farms, we can boost the local economy and the survival of these family-owned businesses.”
Ms. Moreland, a tenth grader, is the daughter of Tiffany Merritt and Tim Moreland. She is part of the Chattanooga Zoo Club, the Chattanooga Public Library Teen Advisory Board and the Chattanooga Girls Choir. Ms. Moreland is an active member of her 4-H chapter, participating in 4-H Congress, the All Star and Ignite! conferences, demonstrations, public speaking, beekeeping, bread baking contests, photo contests and more.
“We wish Darah much success in her role of communicating the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to the people in Hamilton County,” said American Dairy Association of Tennessee Vice President Steve Lee. “Darah 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.
Officials said, "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, visit us online at www.thedairyalliance.com/national-dairy-month."