Blue crabs, the Baltimore oriole, and black-eyed Susans are all well-known symbols of Maryland, but did you know the state’s official drink is milk?

In 1998, the Maryland General Assembly officially designated milk as the state drink to recognize the lasting contributions of Maryland’s dairy industry and the generations of farmers who have helped shape the state’s agricultural heritage.

At the time, dairy farming was one of Maryland’s leading agricultural industries, with hundreds of family-owned farms producing millions of gallons of milk each year. The designation celebrated not only a familiar beverage but also the economic contributions, rural traditions, and stewardship of Maryland’s farming communities.

Today, Maryland is home to approximately 62 dairy farms, particularly concentrated in counties such as Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, and Washington. While the industry has evolved with new technology and modern farming practices, the state’s dairy producers remain committed to providing fresh, locally produced dairy products while caring for the land and their herds.

Many dairy farms have been passed down through multiple generations, continuing a tradition of stewardship and food production that remains vital today.

So, while milk may seem like an unexpected choice for an official state symbol, its designation serves as a lasting tribute to the farmers and agricultural communities whose dedication has helped nourish Maryland for centuries.

If you would like your county featured in Fun Facts, please get in touch with Abbey Duncan at aduncan@mdcounties.org