Milk was designated the official state drink of South Dakota in 1986. Seventeen other states recognize milk as a state symbol. 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

Less than half of milk produced is consumed as a beverage (excess is used for butter, cheese, ice cream, milk powder and other processed products).

Holstein calf photo by Ian Hayhurst on Flickr -
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