ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — It's National Dairy Month, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture is highlighting the industry in the state.
Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder says dairy farming is a vital part of Maryland's agriculture. It generates about 10 percent of all farm cash receipts.
Dairy is a $1.1 billion business in the state. A 2013 University of Maryland study found that about 4,255 residents are employed in the dairy sector.
The state health department says there are 443 dairy farms in Maryland.
Maryland's top three dairy producing counties are in western Maryland, including Washington, Frederick and Garrett counties.
There are about 49,000 dairy cows in Maryland.