Have you taken the Dairy 3 For Me Pledge?

I took the pledge not just because I'm a dairy 

farmer but to re-enforce my commitment to improving my health and following

 the 2015 Dietary Guideline's nutritional recommendation. I'll admit, it's probably

 the easiest pledge I can make since there is such a large variety of  dairy to choose from!

Including dairy in the recipes I prepare for my family is one of the best

 ways to keep my pledge and make sure we're all getting the needed servings of dairy.

  Fiesta Rice Skillet Dinner  will be on the menu this week. 

Fiesta Rice Skillet Dinner

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/2 cup diced onion

2 1/2 cups cooked turkey,chopped

2 cups cooked brown rice

1 (15 ounce) can black beans,drained,rinsed         

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes  with green chilies,drained

1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels

1 cup mild picante sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and cook onion until soft (about 10 minutes). Add turkey,rice,beans,tomatoes, corn,picante sauce and chili powder. Stir to mix well. Heat thoroughly. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese. Serve hot.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

We missed you!

I'm sure that's what the calves were thinking this morning  even though they

 were well cared for in my one day away from the farm.

It's always good to learn more about issues affecting

agriculture and  the dairy industry but there's no place like home.

                              After driving home from  Little Rock  yesterday in stormy weather,
                                I'm thankful to be safely back to work down on the dairy farm.

Dairy Life Lesson

Although this new momma had to have a little assistance delivering her calf, 

she instinctively knew how to care for him. Within the hour after giving birth,

 she was busy licking him and urging him to stand up for the first time.

He was a little wobbly on that first step but he made it!

It's such a sweet picture of  encouragement and a lesson in life  

that we witness often down on the dairy farm.

Encourage one another.

                          1 Thessalonians 5:11

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Vaughn Presbyterian Church has been a fixture in our  community for 126 years. 

Our membership is small but we've got a supportive community that came to buy a bean and cornbread supper and bid on pies to help us raise money for a local children's home.

I'm thankful for community friends like State Representative Dan Douglas who 

served as our  pie auctioneer, the church members that baked delicious pies, and the friends who not only  supported our project, but also

                         helped us celebrate my Mother's 85th birthday with cake and ice cream!

Milk Lover's Spring Break

What do I  love about spring break?

The opportunity to share what life is all about down on the dairy farm!

 My spring break happened today,

 on just an ordinary day down on the dairy farm,

  with  two young families wanting

  to know more about where their milk comes from.

All farm visits include watching the cows eat. It may not be the most exciting

place to visit but it's my favorite spot to explain how

 the cows eat a balanced,nutritious diet everyday  to produce high-quality milk. 

Spring break gave me  the opportunity to share how we care for our dairy cows

 everyday from the milking parlor to the feed barn and all the chores in between

 that are required to care for our land and the animals but most of all,

 I've got new friends that share my love for milk!

Dairy Q&A

                                                                       Question:

                           How long does a baby calf live in a pen with that little white building?

      Answer:

Our  newborn calves are  placed in an  individual hutch (little white building) 

within the first twelve hours after birth. We are able to monitor each calf

 closely for any feeding or  health issues and provide a more protected environment.

 In eight weeks, the calves will be removed from the hutch and taken to a small

 pasture with a group of calves of similar age and size.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Even on a rainy gray day, there's a touch of spring beauty to enjoy

 as we work down on the dairy farm. 

                                                   I'm thankful for the blessings of spring--

                                                      to live in a world of new beginnings.