Winter's Spring Deposit

Snow days down on the dairy farm not only  provide a  beautiful winter wonderland but 

   a spring deposit  of moisture that will soak into the soil for the green grass that we long to see in the pastures and for growing crops.

 Spring is just around the corner!

 

Happy March!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Our three day weekend together turned into a six day adventure when the friendly skies of American Airline became less friendly with flight cancellations due to winter ice and snow storms. On the second day of being cancelled and more snow and ice, ground transportation seemed our best option.

I'm thankful that 

we  are still smiling after driving 1000 miles together  to get home to the dairy farm, for our two sons who managed the farm while we were away and to be home with the cows!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Feeding our dairy cows a nutritious diet is an everyday activity--regardless of the weather conditions. 

Even though these cows had already eaten in the feed barn after being milked, the snow seemed to create an exciting experience as the feed wagons were pulled into the field  as usual.

On their way to the feed wagons, the cows were running and kicking up their hooves just like kids on a sled at the top of a snowy hill.

I'm thankful for the fun these cows seemed to be having on their snow day down  on the dairy farm!

Dairy Q&A

Question:

Do you add hormones to the milk?

Answer:

No.

Bovine somatotropin (bst) is a naturally occurring protein hormone produced by a cow's pituitary gland. It regulates metabolic activities, helping young cattle grow and adult cows produce milk.

A small amount of bst is present in all milk, including organic products. 

There is a supplemental hormone called rbst (recombinant bovine somatotropin) that can be administered to the cow  by a farmer who is trying to increase the milk production to help ensure a plentiful supply of milk. Studies show that milk from cows treated with the supplemental hormone rBST is the same wholesome product that we have enjoyed for generations. This has been affirmed and reaffirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and other leading health organizations.

The decision to not use a supplemental hormone on our cows is a decision due to consumer demand and is not related to any health or safety issue. 

You can rest assured,milk is wholesome,safe and nutritious.

Love Day on the Dairy

It's a day of love on the dairy farm,,,

for family,

for our beautiful dairy cows,

and

for friends!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Casey had a hand accident last week that required surgery and six weeks of wearing a cast. It's not easy doing dairy  farm chores with one hand-- but he's learning to adapt and we're figuring out the jobs he can continue to do!

I'm thankful that this is an injury that will heal and for the skilled surgeon, caring nurses, and the availability of medical services in our community.

Valentine Dairy Smoothie

 My friend, Bessie, from Dairy Makes Sense just loves to share dairy recipes and information about dairy nutrition.



Since February is Lactose Intolerance Awareness Month, this is a perfect recipe if you or your Valentine needs a lactose free choice.


Raspberry-Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup low-fat yogurt
1 cup frozen raspberries, unsweetened
1 cup frozen strawberries, unsweetened
3/4 cup low fat milk
1 cup ice (about 12 cubes)

Preparation:
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately.

Substitution Idea: For those with lactose intolerance, lactose-free milk may be used in place of regular milk. The yogurt in this smoothie can also aid digestion.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

As we kick off our Benton County Farm Bureau Membership Campaign with a proclamation from Benton County Judge Bob Clinard recognizing the importance of agriculture in our community, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my community through the volunteer activities of Benton County Farm Bureau.

                                                        Happy Farm Bureau Week!

Dairy Q&A

Question:

What is one of the dairy farmer's most important jobs?

Answer:

Animal care is one of the most important aspects of a dairy farmer's job. We spend the majority of our time everyday feeding our dairy cows and calves and monitoring the amount that is consumed.

From my front porch, I often  enjoy watching the soon to be mama cows cleaning up the grain mixture in the feed wagons. 

Even though these pregnant cows receive a special designed diet  daily  and have access to hay at all times, they never turn away a good meal or a tasty treat!