Dairy Stimulus Package

As a volunteer for Farm Bureau I have been involved in activities this past week promoting Food Check-Out Week which celebrates the fact that farmers and ranchers are committed to providing safe,abundant and healthy food. As a dairy farmer I am proud to produce a healthy economical food product. Milk is a nutrient rich food providing four of the seven nutrients Americans are missing the most in their diet--calcium,potassium,magnesium and Vitamin A. Milk, at about 25 cents per 8oz glass, is one of the best beverage bargains. In these tough economic times, we are all looking for ways to stretch our food dollars and provide healthy diets for our families. As a dairy mom and consumer, my dairy stimulus package includes banking on the basics by purchasing more nutrient rich foods, like fruits,vegetables,whole grains, lean meats and dairy. As part of your dairy stimulus also consider yogurt, flavored milk and cheese. The best outcome of this stimulus will be the benefits from a healthy diet and a very happy family!

Kansas City Style

I traveled to Kansas City this week and enjoyed a little bit of city life. Every region of the United States is known for its own particular delights. Kansas City is known for its great steaks and BBQ. Cattle and Kansas City just go together when you learn about the history of the stockyards in the downtown area. It's hard to imagine those droves of cattle in the streets as you are driving around looking for the right hotel! I enjoyed some of that famous BBQ and couldn't help but think for how long the American farmers and ranchers have been providing quality meat for us to enjoy. Thanks to the farmers for doing such a great job in providing safe,affordable and abundant food for all of us!

The Farm Team

Getting ready for the Superbowl entails thinking about the food we are going to consume and the friends and family we will enjoy being with as we watch this great American tradition. It brings to mind that farmers are the team that produce the food,fiber and fuel for consumers to enjoy. Our team enlists a variety of players such as veterinarians, animal nutritionists and the consuming public. Our playbook uses scientific knowledge and technology to provide the best product for consumers while caring for animals and the environment. Farmers are playing by the rules to provide the safest and most affordable food for our consumers and those across the globe. Agriculture has a connection to everyone. Enjoy your Superbowl experience when you reach for that slice of pizza and marvel that even the football came from agriculture! I'm rootin' for the Farm Team!