Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Governor Asa Hutchinson declared June Dairy Month in Arkansas.

It's the perfect kick-off to a month that celebrates the nutritious goodness of milk and a variety of dairy products that consumers across our state and the nation enjoy everyday.

Milk is our Arkansas state drink!

I was honored to take part in this ceremony with 

Arkansas Farm Bureau Dairy Ambassador Julie Griffin,

other dairy  farmers and industry leaders.

                                         
                                       I'm thankful for a governor who supports dairy farmers,
                                                                                 and

                                              showed his love for milk by raising his glass
                                           to celebrate June Dairy Month and World Milk Day!
                                                                 

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Julie Griffin of Benton County was selected to serve as the 

 2016 Arkansas Dairy Ambassador

 during the 4 State Dairy Days Show in Benton County last weekend. 

I'm thankful for the dairy programs that are available for youth participation,

for the opportunity to watch the growth and development of our youth

 and

                                                     for the adult leaders that invest their
                                                     time and talents for our young people.

Arkansas Dairy Ambassador 2015

Just when you thought nothing else could fit into the schedule of activities at the 4-State Dairy Days--

we had the Arkansas Dairy Ambassador contest!

The Dairy Ambassador Program criteria consists of three levels: promotion activities, an interview with a panel of judges, and an oral presentation.

I'll be the first to admit, the conditions  for doing an oral presentation with cows mooing and fans blowing to keep everyone comfortable are not ideal,  but the setting is perfect for the topic of

 "What's so Great about Dairy!"

Prior to the interview and presentation, the contestants have also participated in a Farm Bureau  dairy recipe contest in their county and promoted dairy in a second activity.

It takes enthusiasm and interest in dairy cows and the dairy industry to be named the Arkansas Dairy Ambassador!

Congratulations to

Colte Mosher

 Arkansas Dairy Ambassador 2015

A special thanks to Arkansas Farm Bureau for supporting this youth program!

4 State Dairy Days Celebrates June Dairy Month

It just wouldn't be June Dairy Month

 without a dairy cattle show,

an abundance of milk,cheese and  ice cream, 

and an Arkansas Dairy Ambassador Contest!

                                                                                     
                                                  You can join me and my dairy farm friends
                              for an action packed,fun  June Dairy Month celebration this weekend
                                                                         June 12-14
                                       at the Benton County Fairgrounds for the 4-State Dairy Days!

                                                               

Arkansas Dairy Ambassador

Congratulations to Ethan Parker of Gravette  for being named the 2014-15 Arkansas Dairy Ambassador!

I love the fact that Arkansas Farm Bureau supports youth programs that aim to not only promote agriculture but help our youth to develop skills and interest in agriculture careers.

 

Ethan will be participating in functions related to the dairy industry during this next year and promoting all the great features about dairy. After listening to his talk on "What's So Great About Dairy?", I know he will be convincing a lot of consumers about the benefits of dairy nutrition.

 

 

 

Although it's not a requirement to show dairy cattle to be a dairy ambassador, Ethan has been showing Jersey cattle since he was about 4 years old. It was natural for this  picture of his Arkansas Dairy Ambassador plaque  to include  one of his favorite Jersey girls!

Arkansas Dairy Ambassador

It's official--Arkansas has it's very own Arkansas Dairy Ambassador! Jessica Crawley,15 of Maysville, will serve as the first Arkansas Dairy Ambassador. She will represent the Arkansas dairy industry at the state fair, 4-State Dairy Days and the June Dairy Month proclamation at the capital in Little Rock plus assist with 4-H activities. The contest for the title included participation in a county Farm Bureau dairy recipe contest, a  dairy promotion activity in the participant's community, an essay, an interview and a prepared speech about dairy.

Although the competition did not require the applicant to live on a dairy farm, Jessica certainly has working knowledge of what it takes to produce high quality milk. She  is the fifth generation to live and work on her family dairy farm every day, loves to exhibit cattle, and strives to think of ways to promote dairy. In the required essay about why she woulde be a good candidate for the Arkansas Dairy Ambassador she stated,"People need to know how important dairy is to their diet and that milk is the most nutrient dense beverage there is."

After being interviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, Jessica delivered a promotional message titled "Milk--Nutrient Powerhouse." It's the perfect message for the first Arkansas Dairy Ambassador to share with consumers at every opportunity.

Even though the number of Arkansas dairies has been on the decline, as a member of the committee that supported this new program, it is my hope that the Arkansas Dairy  Ambassador program will open the door for young people in Arkansas to not only promote dairy but explore career opportunities in the dairy industry and agriculture. 

Congratulations Jessica!!