Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Proclaims June 2025 as Dairy Month at McCarty Family Farms
- Kristina Hemel
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
REXFORD, KS — With the scent of fresh silage in the air and the hum of a working dairy farm as the backdrop, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly officially proclaimed June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of Kansas during a special event held at McCarty Family Farms along Highway 83 near Rexford.
The morning began with a warm welcome from Vernon Hurd, Executive Director of the Thomas County Economic Development Alliance, who recognized the significance of McCarty Family Farms’ impact on northwest Kansas.
“It’s hard to believe it all started with 1,000 head of cattle,” Hurd said, recalling the early days of McCarty’s journey to Kansas. “What Tom and Judy McCarty first saw in Colby back in 1997 has grown into an incredible economic driver for our region. We are so thankful to have the McCarty family here, and they truly are a part of our northwest Kansas family.”
Governor Kelly took the stage next, calling the McCarty Farms backdrop “the best” she’s ever had for a public address and praising the family’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability.
“From our founding days, agriculture has been the bedrock of the Kansas economy,” Governor Kelly said. “And I can’t think of a better place to recognize June as Kansas Dairy Month than right here at McCarty Family Farms.”
Kansas is currently one of the fastest-growing dairy states in the nation, home to more than 180,000 dairy cows on over 130 family-operated farms. Together, they produce more than 4 billion pounds of milk each year. These farms don’t just nourish Kansas—they feed the nation and the world.
Governor Kelly highlighted how McCarty Family Farms exemplifies the strength and progress of the Kansas dairy industry. Originally from Pennsylvania, the McCarty family moved their operation to Kansas in 2000. Today, they milk nearly 19,000 cows and employ more than 200 team members. Their recently opened Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, named in honor of the family matriarch, offers hands-on education and transparency into modern dairy practices.
The McCarty family’s leadership will also be recognized nationally this fall, when they are honored as Dairy Producers of the Year at the 2025 World Dairy Expo.
Governor Kelly emphasized her administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting the dairy industry through initiatives like:
Over $1 million in water efficiency upgrade grants for dairies in water-scarce regions.
Investments in western Kansas infrastructure, including railroads, to move products to market faster.
The elimination of the state grocery tax, helping Kansans purchase more high-quality local dairy.
She concluded her remarks by officially reading and signing the Kansas Dairy Month proclamation, which celebrates the industry's $1.5 billion annual impact and urges all Kansans to recognize and support the dairy farmers who keep our state thriving.
The message was clear: Kansas dairy is not just growing—it’s leading.
See the full video of Governor Kelly's speech and signing of the Kansas Dairy Month proclamation here:
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