Dairy farmers in South Cumbria and their passion for their industry are helping to drive them through tough times as the world celebrates World Milk Day today.

Now running in its 16th year, the day is about publicising and promoting the benefits of milk and the milk industry.

While times have been tough for dairy farmers, the commitment and love for the job has been driving them to push through the challenges.

The passion for the job

Edward Halpin, of E & S M Halpin Dairy Farmers, based at Rakesmoor Farm, Barrow, said: "We do put the hours in and it is because of the love of the job. 

"Many a time you can enjoy it. It some times knocks you down when the prices drop and drop but I just love the job."

As a result of the price milk paid by the supermarkets, some dairy farmers are having to change their methods of farming as the market becomes ever more challenging.

Last month, Richard and Bev Cleasby, of the Lower Hawthwaite Farm in Broughton, had to sell their entire herd of pure bred Fresian cattle as the industry plummets.

The number of dairy farms in Cumbria has dropped by more than 300 in the past 10 years.

READ MORE:  Broughton farming family forced to sell entire herd as milk industry hits rock bottom

Where did it begin?

World Milk Day began in 2001, with the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) tasked with specifying which all aspects of milk could be celebrated.

The date of June 1 was chosen because a number of countries were already celebrating a national milk day around this time. While most countries hold their celebrations on this date, some choose to hold them a week or so before or after this date.

Since 2001, many countries around the world have joined the celebrations and the number is growing each year.

What it means to all of us

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, which speaks for the industry, said: "Let's remember that milk is a product to be greatly proud of.

"Dairy makes a difference to millions of people everyday, everywhere. As we pour milk on our cereal or add it to tea or coffee, we should remember that milk gives us so many thousands of nutrients that our bodies need."

What do we know?

5 things you may not have known about milk
We drink it every day in our millions, but do you know about some of these?
1.) The power of cows
Cows produce 90% of all the milk demands of the globe
2.) The wife of Zeus created the Milky Way, according to legend
According to legend, the Milky Way galaxy was created by drops of milk from the breast of Hera, the wife of Zeus, as she breast-fed Hercules


10,000 years of milk
Cow's milk was first drunk by humans 10,000 years ago in what is now Afghanistan or Iran
Milk Pasteur-isation
Louis Pasteur developed pasteurisation for beer 20 years before he did it for milk
Buffalo protein
Buffalo milk has 25% more protein than cow milk