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! 

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Short sleeve weather in January is crazy but we've enjoyed every ray of sunshine this week!

                              I'm thankful for warmer days for all of us down on the dairy farm even
                                                though we know there's more winter ahead !

Milk Truth Jeopardy

We probably won't see a category of Milk Truths on the TV game Jeopardy but it is important for good nutrition and good health  to understand the truth about dairy foods that play a critical role in the diets of adults and children by providing nine essential nutrients,including calcium,magnesium,potassium and phosphorus, in addition to 48 percent of the daily value of protein.

Here's 5 Truths about Milk:

• Milk is a nutrient powerhouse--and it's not just for kids. 
• Milk contains a lot that's good, without the "bad" that some people think.   The dairy case has something for everyone--including low-fat and fat-free varieties, as well as lactose-free products. Families can choose from a variety of milk,cheese, and yogurt products to meet their taste and nutritional goals.
• Milk is simple-- especially compared to non-dairy milks that can have more than 10 ingredients.
• Milk provides high-quality protein (almond and other non-dairy milks may have just 1 gram of protein).
• Milk is a real,wholesome and local product from family farms across the nation.

You can find more Milk Truths at MilkTruth, DairyMakesSense and DairyGood and as a dairy farmer, I'm available to tell the truth about how we (my dairy farm family) work everyday  to produce high-quality milk.

Dairy Q&A

                                                                      Question:

               Do dairy farms produce a lot of greenhouse gases?

                                               Answer:

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's US Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emission Report, dairy production contributes less than 1 percent of US greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases include water vapor,carbon dioxide and ozone.

Today, producing a pound of milk takes three times less methane than it did in 1924 because of the many efficiencies  practiced by dairy farmers everyday such as  feeding grains and high-quality forage and by continuing to use other tools such as genetic improvement and superior herd management.

More information can be found at US Environmental Protection Agency or Midwestdairy.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

I attended the Southern Dairy Conference in Atlanta,Georgia this week to learn about the latest current issues and information related to the dairy industry.

It's always interesting to learn  how calves are raised on other dairy farms  and about the latest research that will help us   improve how we care for our newborn calves

 that eventually become the milking cows on our farm.

                                                                               
                        I'm pretty sure the calves missed me the way they looked at me this morning!
                                         (Ok, they might have been looking for their warm milk!)
                               I'm thankful to be back home on the farm and for my family and our
                                       employees that took care of the calves while I was away.

Cheesy Celebration

What better way to celebrate National Cheese Lover's Day than with Marvelicious Mac and Cheese!
You can find more cheesy recipes for your celebration at Dairy Makes Sense.

Marvelicious Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups fat-free milk
1Tablespoon butter
3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (reserve half cup for topping)


Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat milk and butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour,salt and dry mustard and simmer for 1 minute,whisking occasionally.

Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups of cheese until melted. Add drained macaroni to saucepan and toss with cheese sauce. Transfer mixture to an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish; top with1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.


             
                                                        Happy National Cheese Lovers Day!