Dairy Q & A

Question:

What is homogenization?

Answer:

Homogenization is a mechanical process that breaks up fat globules 

to a smaller size.When this process is used with milk, it distributes

 the smaller sized fat globules through out the milk producing a 

uniform consistency.  It's basically mixing the cream into the milk.

Homogenization makes the milk whiter  and more appetizing color,

 provides a more full-bodied flavor and better mouth feel and gives milk 

and other cultured milk products increased shelf stability.

Milk began being homogenized in the early 1930's when Dr.Malcolm Trout, 

a nutrition professor at Michigan State, linked the process of pasteurization

 and homogenization together. He found that homogenized milk needed

 to be pasteurized first to have an appealing taste.

While it's possible to have pasteurized milk that hasn't been homogenized and

 homogenized milk that hasn't been pasteurized, most milk found in 

 United States markets has undergone both processes.

Milk is pasteurized first to kill bacteria,

 then homogenized to give us that consistent taste.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

What would we do without farmers?

Who would raise the crops?

Who would provide the milk for my cereal?

Who would be caring for the animals?

                                                        I'm thankful that we have farmers
                                                               --all kinds of farmers--
                                         that work everyday to provide food, care for animals
                                        and protect our natural resources for all of our families.
                                                     
                                                       
                                              Happy National Farmers Day!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

It's standard treatment for pregnant cows to have a two month rest period

 before giving birth.Two weeks before the expected calving date, 

we move the cows or heifers to the field close to our 

house so we can monitor them closely.

                         
                                                       I'm thankful for all safe arrivals
                                                                                and
                                        for this week's new addition to the dairy farm family!

Raw Milk Truth

During last month's dairy farm tours that I provided to the Northwest Arkansas home school students and their families, I was asked several times if we sold raw milk (unpasteurized milk) from the farm.
The simple answer was NO but it provided me the opportunity to share the facts about the benefits of pasteurization. 

As a dairy farmer, mother and a nurse, I'm passionate about the importance pasteurization plays in providing safe milk and dairy products. Since the introduction of pasteurization more than a century ago, it has been recognized around the world as an essential tool for ensuring that milk and dairy foods are safe.

Although many states (including Arkansas)  are now allowing the sale of raw milk (unpasteurized milk) it is a violation of federal law to sell raw milk for consumer use across state lines.

Pasteurization has helped provide safe, nutrient rich milk, and cheese for over 100 years and because of pasteurization, less than 1.5 percent of annual food borne illness outbreaks in the United States involve dairy foods.

Here are some proven facts about milk and pasteurization:
--Pasteurization DOES kill harmful bacteria.
--Pasteurization DOES save lives.
--Raw milk DOES NOT kill dangerous pathogens by itself.
--Pasteurizing milk DOES NOT cause lactose intolerance and allergic reaction.
--Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk's nutritional value.

Harmful bacteria can seriously affect the health of anyone who drinks raw milk, or eats foods made from raw milk. However, the bacteria in raw milk can be especially dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant women, and children.

Thanks to proven science and technology tools like pasteurization, dairy farmers will continue providing safe, high-quality milk for my family and yours!

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful for...

Beagle, our crazy four wheel riding farm dog,

                                             '
                                                                    a new fall calf,
                                                                              and

                                           
                                                to hear the  word "cow" from the youngest
                                                        member of our dairy farm family.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Like the varied spots on our spotted Holstein cows, 

every group of dairy farm visitors are unique.

I love to see the expression on the face of the child or adult that 

suddenly understands how we work on the farm to produce

 a great product that their family enjoys.

                                       
                                       I'm thankful to  connect with consumers to share how
                                we work everyday to care for our animals, produce  nutritious
                                          milk and give them a feel for life on a family farm.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

There's nothing sweeter than watching a mother with her new baby.

It's a reminder of all the many blessings that we often 

take for granted when life gets too busy.

                                             
                                 This baby was delivered without any complications this week
                               just in time to greet a group of children making a visit to the farm.

                              I'm thankful for the blessings of life that we can share with others!