Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Last week I was invited to give an update on county government issues to the Bentonville Early Riser  Rotary Club. Since it's June Dairy Month, it seemed only natural to include a little dairy info,too! 

Rex introduced me to the group and explained that our  friendship  began when I worked for him in the drug store during my high school years. It was the first time I had the opportunity to give Rex his proper thank-you for being the reason I became a dairy farmer. If I hadn't worked for him in high school, Ryan's mother would never have given me a chance with her dairy farmer son! 

I'm thankful for all the members in my Bentonville community that mentored me  in serving others  such as my piano teacher,Araminta, my Girl Scout leader,Marilyn, that led us   from 2nd grade till I graduated, and for Rex, the local pharmacist, that taught me that the customer is always right !

I'm thankful to be Arkansas Grown!

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!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Even when I'm feeling overwhelmed by the busy dairy farm schedule during June Dairy Month,

I'm thankful for peaceful scenes of the dairy cows

 resting in the field enjoying  their stress free life on the dairy farm! 

                                                                 

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!

                                                               

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Birthdays are always special days on the dairy farm...

... days of reflection and thankfulness.

I'm thankful for the blessings of  faith,family,friends, farming

and

                                                 that  there was  just one candle--instead of 60!

Dairy Champions Celebrate June Dairy Month

June Dairy Month has arrived! Whether you are a dairy loving consumer or a dairy loving farmer, June Dairy Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate what's great about dairy.  Just consider these facts:

• With nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D and protein, dairy makes sense when it comes to healthful eating.
• Milk,cheese and yogurt provide nutrition and great taste while being a smart economical choice for today's families.
• Dollar for dollar, dairy is one of the most economical sources of nutrition available today.
• Dairy farmers' commitment to animal well being and fostering a healthy planet is just as strong as their commitment to producing safe,wholesome dairy products.

On the dairy farm, we celebrate dairy every day by caring for our beautiful dairy cows and the land we call home but you will find that dairy farmers love to promote dairy products during June Dairy Month with involvement in a variety of activities. You can find a calendar list  of June Dairy Month activities online at Midwest Dairy. 

Dairy farmers are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the dairy farmer-founded National Dairy Council and  June dairy Month 2015 in a very special way with the introduction of The Dairy Good Cookbook!   The Dairy Good Cookbook is more than a cookbook--it's a 'storybook' representing all U.S. dairy farmers that includes more than 100 recipes that celebrate the people and foods that make life dairy good.

 Beginning June 2, The Dairy Good Cookbook will appear in book stores like Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com and other retail stores across  the country. 

 The book retails for $25 with a portion of the proceeds supporting the GENYOUth Foundation, a dairy farmer-endorsed charity that aims to nurture children's health and wellness in the school environment and surrounding community by raising funds, uniting partners with shared goals and empowering youth to create their own change.

                    It's a perfect addition to any cook book collection or a gift for your favorite cook!

                            Just think--you can celebrate June Dairy Month and  dairy all through the

                                                      year with all these great dairy farmer  recipes!

                                                   Happy June Dairy Month!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Most of our cows and heifers deliver without assistance but during the birth process we're keeping a close eye on the situation. This baby had a foot bent backwards that was making delivery difficult and  did require dairy farmer intervention.  

Celebrating birthdays on the dairy  farm is always exciting and  never gets old!

                                                                   
                                                         I'm thankful for every healthy delivery!