Milk was designated as the official state drink of Minnesota in 1984. Minnesota produces 9.7 billion pounds of milk a year (6% of the nation’s total) and ranks sixth in dairy production among the states. Milk has been called a nearly perfect food - a source of protein, calcium, and several other important nutrients.

Milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt - public domain photo from USDA:
 Facts about Dairy Products: Kids Corner

Each dairy cow gives about 6.5 gallons of milk per day. Less than half of this milk is consumed as a beverage - excess is used for butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, milk powder, and other processed products.

Holstein calf photo by Ian Hayhurst on Flickr -
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