Labor Day Dairy Fun

I really can't imagine Labor Day without labor on the dairy farm and   our cows and calves expect it!  It might not make any sense, but you can find fun in labor.

                       If you asked me if I did anything fun on Labor Day, here's what I would say...

          I climbed into the dirty, dusty seat of the old ten-wheel silage truck to sit next to my honey so I could ride while he green chopped a load of feed for the milking cows. Riding in the truck or tractor always reminds me of our many 'dates' spent on a tractor or doing chores.

 One of our daily chores for the last couple of weeks is to 'green chop'  Sudan grass to add to the  cows feed ration.  I'm sure the cows would describe it as high protein, high energy nutritious candy!

 

Even though we weren't racing, it was fun to see Cody pull the chopper up close to the truck to start down the row, blowing the chopped grass into the truck. It's obvious  he gets a lot of joy and fun from  trying to scare his mother with his driving.

 

 

                                            I  admired the crop through the dirty windshield

 

and most of all  felt thankful for a green chop crop that our cows will enjoy!

After last year's drought and no crop...labor is a good thing.

 

 

 

 

September's Transition Down on the Dairy

Down on the dairy farm, September holds a lot of promise in the midst of this month of  transition...

 

 

 

Chester, my faithful friend,  is looking forward to cooler days,

 

 

the roses will be showing off  in their late summer glory,

 

and new babies will celebrate birthdays.

 It's these new babies that represent the beginning of high-quality milk from down on the dairy farm.

 

 

Happy September!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

 

Last week I was presented with a plaque from  Benton County Farm Bureau for my volunteer service as the Chairwoman of the Benton County Farm Bureau  Women's Committee. I've been blessed to work with the greatest volunteers, who I call my friends,  and with  the support and help of my family. I'm thankful for the opportunity I have had to help educate others about agriculture in a variety of activities!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to School Breakfast

A protein packed dairy and egg  Back to School breakfast is a winning combination for any student or  hard working parent. I'm thinking even an old dairy farmer might enjoy this recipe!

Egg and Cheese Waffle Sandwich

Ingredients:

2 frozen round waffles (4 inch)
1 egg, beaten
1 slice co-Jack or American cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Place waffles on baking sheet.

Spoon egg over waffles, spreading to fill cavities. Bake in 400 degree oven until egg is set and waffles are crisp, 10-12 minutes.

Top one waffle with cheese. Cover with remaining waffle and press together. Let stand 1 minute to allow cheese to melt.

Helpful hint: For more servings, multiply ingredients by the number of sandwiches desired. Use a second baking sheet if needed.

You can find more Back to School recipes at Incredible Egg or Dairy Makes Sense.

Birthday Blessings Down on the Dairy Farm

Although birthdays don't happen everyday down on the dairy farm, eating a nutritious balanced  diet is an everyday affair for dairy cows. Even our pregnant cows are provided a special diet formulated by our dairy nutritionist  for  the last two months of pregnancy to maintain  body condition, prepare for  the delivery of a healthy calf and  provide adequate calories  for   milk production  after having a calf.

 

 

This group of pregnant  cows will calve in the next two weeks and are being provided with grain, hay and a mixture of silage in a measured amount every day.

 

 

Although August is hot, it's a good month to be a dairy cow resting in the pasture, eating all you want and drinking lots of water as you wait for a new baby calf.

 

Healthy babies are always welcome blessings  on the dairy farm!

 

 

 

Twenty three years ago, we had a healthy birthday blessing  of our own down on the dairy farm.

( I did eat a nutritious diet but I didn't get a two month rest before I had this eight pound boy!)

 

 

Happy Birthday,Casey!

 

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Volunteering as the Zoo Keeper at the Benton County Farm Bureau's Petting Zoo at the Benton County Fair for the last 13 years  has provided many opportunities to share agriculture's story in a very fun environment.

                                 I'm thankful for the fun  I've had watching  children and adults
                                   of all ages enjoying the chicks at the Benton County Fair!

Back to School Breakfast Tips

 

If you're getting back into the school moood this week,  make sure to include breakfast every day as part of the formula for your child's  success.

 

Midwest Dairy Registered Dietician Stephanie Cundith developed these  5 quick tips to help families incorporate a nutrient-rich breakfast into the morning routine:

1. Stock a mom-approved breakfast bowl with grab-and-go nutritious foods, like cereal, yogurt, string cheese, and fruit.
2. Mix it up! Mix oatmeal with milk instead of water. Or, use yogurt to whip up a smoothie or build a parfait for a simple kid-friendly breakfast that can be enjoyed at home or on the go.
3. Break breakfast boredom by thinking outside the cereal box. Consider eating lunch, dinner or snack foods like a ham and cheese sandwich, pizza or Rainbow Fruit and Cheese Kabobs.
4. Role model good breakfast behavior. When kids see breakfast is a priority for adults, they will be more likely to eat it themselves.
5. Take advantage of the School Breakfast Program, which supplies 25 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowances of nutrients that a child needs.

 

                                  You can find helpful Back to School nutrition information at

                                                                         Dairy Makes Sense.