Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

It's a special delivery just in time for Valentine Day!

It's just one of several deliveries that we have had this 

week down on the dairy farm.

I'm thankful for the day of warmer temperatures and rays 

of sunshine that warmed our hands and hearts

and

for the many Valentines that will be made 

with milk chocolate  and cream pies!

Happy Valentine Day!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

                                               
                                 Benton County Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee
                                celebrated the Centennial of John Brown University  by sharing
                                  information about agriculture  in Benton County during the
                                           early days of the school and current practices.

Presenting our history book about Arkansas Farm Bureau

seemed a perfect kick-off to our Farm Bureau Membership week!

We enjoyed talking with students about agriculture 

and appreciated their interest in learning a few new skills...

like milking Frannie the Arkansas  Farm Bureau cow!

                                                     
                                                I'm thankful for the volunteer opportunities
                                                       that provide smiles for all of us!
                                               

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Although our weather has been mild compared to our farming friends to the north,

we are still dealing with  extremely  cold temperatures that bring added stress to normal

calving situations. 

This new baby was delivered without complication  in the pasture but

we decided to provide a little extra help in warming up.

Our procedure  for warming them includes a short time under   a heat lamp, providing a

warm spot in the barn  and  the usual feeding of warm colostrum.

Tomorrow he will be moved to his individual hutch.

                                       
                                                      You can see he's quite comfortable.
                                       I'm thankful for the ways we can provide care for our
                                         animals during  extreme weather and that we are
                                                              one day closer to spring!
                                                 
                                               

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

It was understandable that the calves would be a little hesitant to come 

out for their morning milk after a night of thunderstorms,

 a change to frigid temperatures followed with a skiff of snow. 

I didn't really want to come out of the house either!

It's these extreme weather changes that make it tough on our calves and

increase the importance of consistent care and close monitoring

 of each calf to assure health and wellness.

                           
                                   I'm thankful for the sunshine that warms us and our calves
                               and lifts our spirits during chilly days down on the dairy farm.

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Being a "dry" cow means that you are resting and not giving milk everyday 

while you wait for the birth of your baby.

These dry cows  are due to calve within the next two weeks and

 are in the pasture next to our house so we can monitor them closely.

Even though we've had our share of cold and dreary days in January,

I'm thankful for  each bright black and white spotted cow that brighten our days

and

                       
                                                   for the opportunity to care for each one
                                                      everyday down on the dairy farm.

Happy National Milk Day!

National Milk Day commemorates the day  in our dairy history when milk 

deliveries were made in glass bottles. Alexander Campbell of

 New York Dairy Company is believed

to be the first to make deliveries.

It's fitting to continue celebrating this event because it 

represents the ongoing changes in our industry that have brought 

convenience and a wide variety of  products to give us more 

options in feeding our families. 

From home deliveries

to the wide variety of dairy products available today,

as the saying goes,"we've come a long way,baby."

                                   I'm raising my glass to day in celebration of our dairy industry.
                                                                   Will you join me?
                     
                                                  Happy National Milk Day!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

January 1 started a new year and a new term of serving in the 

position of Justice of the Peace, District 9 in Benton County.

Although this was the fourth time I have been sworn into office,

I am very thankful 

for the experience and opportunity to continue  representing 

the citizens of Benton County,

  

and

to share this moment in time with my Mother,

who encourages, supports and provides a wealth of knowledge 

from her years of service in city and county government.