AGPROfessionals

Happy National Corn on the Cob Day 🌽☀️🌾

One of summer's favorite foods starts in the field.

Fun facts 👇
🌽 Corn is grown in every U.S. state
📍 Top-producing states include Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Indiana
💛 Sweet corn provides fiber, folate, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin

From field to picnic table, corn on the cob is agriculture at its finest.

Karen Gerfen Glueck
Vice President of Communications and Strategic Planning

Karen is a recognized advocate for agriculture and a communications, operations, and strategic planning expert. Previously, she worked for the agricultural advocacy group Protect The Harvest for seven years, where she guided the group's growth to national prominence.

Prior to joining Protect The Harvest, Karen spent 20 years working in a variety of roles, from operations and training to communications, marketing, and strategic planning to help grow the largest animal hospital company in the United States, VCA Antech, which is now owned by Mars Animal Health.

Karen also has a background in real estate in the commercial, residential, and ranch/equestrian property sectors. She provided contractual and marketing support to realtors and brokers in the Los Angeles area as well as marketing consulting for agents and brokers on the California Central Coast which has a robust market for rural, equestrian, and agricultural properties.

Based in Oklahoma, Karen and her family are avid reined cowhorse and versatility ranch horse breeders and competitors. They also have a cow/calf operation specializing in farm-to-fork beef. She is a member of American AgriWomen, on the Advisory Board for Ag Women Connect and serves as an advisor to an independent cattlemen's association in Oklahoma.

Karen joined the AGPROs team in 2023 to lead our advocacy work for our clients and to position our company for future growth.

June is National Dairy Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the hardworking dairy farmers who make it possible for families nationwide to enjoy milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and countless other dairy products daily. The dairy industry remains one of the most important sectors of American agriculture. In fact, the farm value of milk production ranks second only to beef among livestock industries and is comparable to that of corn production. Milk is produced in all 50 states, and family-owned dairy farms serve as the backbone of the industry, with many farmers working together through producer cooperatives.

National Dairy Month dates back to 1937, when it was established as National Milk Month to encourage milk consumption during a period of surplus production. Over the years, the observance evolved into National Dairy Month, an annual celebration of the dairy industry’s contributions to our economy, communities, and food supply.

Today, dairy farmers continue to adapt and innovate. According to USDA data, U.S. milk production has steadily increased over time, as productivity gains have offset declines in dairy cow numbers. While the number of dairy operations has decreased, farms have become more efficient, helping ensure a stable supply of nutritious dairy products for consumers nationwide. Beyond its economic impact, dairy plays an important role in nutrition. Milk and dairy products provide essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development across all ages. Educational programs and research initiatives continue to highlight the benefits of including dairy in a balanced diet.

National Dairy Month is also a time to recognize the dedication and commitment of dairy farm families. Dairy farming is truly a labor of love. The work doesn’t stop on weekends, holidays, or during inclement weather. Dairy producers rise before dawn and work long hours to care for their animals and provide safe, wholesome products for Americans.

As we celebrate National Dairy Month, take a moment to thank the dairy farmers in your community and across the nation. Remember the farm families whose hard work makes those simple pleasures possible. This June, let’s celebrate dairy, support our farmers, and recognize their vital role in feeding America.

Written by: Emma Hamlin, Policy Intern