DAIRY AND DAYLIGHT

All the farmers I know are celebrating the arrival of Daylight Savings Time. Dairy farming is a management and labor intensive occupation. Every day of the year we are milking cows twice a day on our farm, feeding and caring for all of our livestock and working to maintain the farming operation. So what is so exciting about Daylight Savings Time? Daylight Savings Time brings more daylight for the farmer to work longer hours. The warmer spring weather and longer days signal the beginning of our other task which is to prepare farm equipment and fields for crop production. As I moved my clock forward last night, I thought about stories my mother-in-law told us about Great Aunt Edna. In the 1940's, Aunt Edna worked as a nurse in town, milked cows before and after work, and raised a huge garden for her family's food supply. She often hoed her garden by lantern light. With Daylight Saving Time, we now use tractor lights instead of the lantern!!

Dairy Consumer Choices

While waiting to visit with my congressional representatives in Washington,D.C., I was enjoying a half pint of skim milk. This bottle of milk was labeled BST hormone free and that this was verified by dairy farmers. Bovine somatotropin (referred to as BST) is produced naturally in every dairy cow and is present in all milk--including organic. This is a protein hormone and is digested as any other protein. Scientists developed rBST for farmers to use as a management tool to help cows produce more milk. Utilizing this technology increases milk production,helps reduce the environmental resources needed to produce milk and it is proven safe. We must utilize every bit of science and technology that we have to continue to feed our nation and the world population. Dairy farmers pay attention to what consumers want and provide choices for them. Dairy farmers are listening to consumers and providing safe,affordable and nutritious milk and milk products.

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!

THE REAL DEAL

The Real Seal is a logo you find on products that contain real dairy ingredients. Dairy farmers and dairy farm families are also the real deal behind the seal. As a dairy farmer I want to give you some real truthful information. Caring for our animals is real important to our farms sustainability. Proper and humane treatment of our cows is a real committment. As a cooperative member of Dairy Farmers of America, we have attained the Gold Standard Dairy Program Certificate. This is an on farm audit that assesses,analyzes and provides feedback regarding on farm practices, encourages continuous improvement and recognizes achievements. Dairy farmers are the real deal---real people, real values,real love of animals,real contributers to society, real lovers of the land,real American values and real belief in God. We are the Real deal with the Real Seal with a Real story--REALLY! Just ask a dairy farmer for a real answer to questions about what we do on the farm.

Childhood Obesity

According to the federal Center for Disease Control, thiry two percent of American children and teenagers are classified as overweight or obese. Obesity puts children and adults at high risk for developing serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure,heart disease or stroke. Over a period of years there are a collection of factors contributing to our national obesity problem. Think about all of the conveniences of our everyday life. How far do you walk everyday? How many times do you walk to the TV to change the channel? How many hours do you spend on the computer? How often do you eat meals at home? Good nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand for good health. As a dairyfarm mom, registered nurse and a consumer, I am very excited about the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. This program is a partnership between dairy farmers, the NFL and the USDA. Dairy farmers have committed $250 million over the next five years for this program. Dairy farmers contribute money from the product that we produce through the National Dairy Check-off Program. Dairy Check-0ff dollars are spent on research and promotion of dairy products and this is a great win for the consumer and the dairy farmer. As I go to take care of my calves tomorrow morning, I am going to hope that you are hugging your children and setting a good example for them by teaching them and showing them about a healthy lifestyle which includes good nutrition and 60 minutes of exercise every day!!