Hunter Rigsby named White County 4-H National Dairy Month chairman

Hunter Rigsby

(Nashville) - Hunter Rigsby has been named the 2025 National Dairy Month chairman for White County.

Rigsby was honored May 30 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.

“I want to further my knowledge in the dairy industry while also raising awareness about the importance of agriculture in my community,” Rigsby said. “I have been the National Dairy Month chairman for the past two years and it was the only animal that I wasn’t in constant contact with, so it’s raised my curiosity. It allows me to further my goals of raising awareness in the community regarding agriculture.”

Hunter, a sophomore at White County High School, is the son of Jennifer and Tim Rigsby. Rigsby is on his school’s Student Council, Journalism Team, Yearbook Team, Beta Club, Track, Cross Country, and Archery teams, and the officer team of Future Farmers of America. Hunter is an active member of his 4-H chapter, participating in judgings for poultry and livestock, livestock quiz bowls, public speaking, Chick Chain, Grill Masters, and 4-H Skillathon, Roundup, and All Stars. He is returning as National Dairy Month chairman.

“We wish Hunter much success in his role of communicating the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products to the people in White County,” said American Dairy Association of Tennessee vice president Steve Lee. “Hunter will appreciate the cooperation of the people there. His 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.

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, please visit us online at www.thedairyalliance.com/national-dairy-month.