Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Fall colors in late October  are usually limited to the trees, 

but you never know when Mother Nature may surprise us!

Old fashioned Iris, also known as "flags", are usually blooming in May but for some reason this yellow beauty is blooming like crazy this week.

                               I'm thankful for these unexpected surprises  that happen to remind me
                             that God is always in control and provides a blessing when unexpected!

Dairy Treats With Essential Nutrients

It's easy to get tricked into thinking that a lot of drinks we find in the dairy case at the grocery store  are as nutritious or economical as real dairy milk. For 25 cents per 8 ounces, milk treats you to nine essential nutrients. You're being tricked if you think the nutrition of alternative drinks offers you  and your family the same nutritional benefits.

According to Midwest Dairy, milk alternatives use fortification to mimic the nutrient profile of cow's milk.

Here's how some of the most common dairy alternatives stack up:

• Soy beverages--made from soybeans and are a good source of protein, but the soy protein is a lower quality protein than the whey protein found in dairy products.
• Rice-based beverages-- are generally processed from brown rice and are fortified with nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Rice beverages contain only one gram of protein compared to eight grams in cow's milk.
• Nut-based beverages-- can be ground from any nut, the most popular is almond. Almond beverages supply only one gram of protein per serving and lack many of the natural benefits found in almonds.

It's okay to get tricked on Halloween,

 but don't let it happen when you're making nutritional decisions!

Dairy Q&A

                                                                    Question:

    Why does a farmer use genetically modified (often referred to as GMO)  seed when planting a crop?

                                                                    Answer:
Farmers are always looking for ways to increase efficiency and protect the environment.  Genetically modified crops are more tolerant  of drought,are more resistant to disease and herbicides and allow farmers to increase yields on the same amount of land.

According to the Center for Food Integrity, more than 80 percent of grain crops used for animal feed, such as corn and soybeans are genetically modified. Extensive research has revealed no difference in the
nutritional value of GMO feed compared to conventional feed, there is no evidence that GMO  feed impacts growth or feed intake and it is safe.

   

                                                         

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

For the past week, we've all been enjoying the most beautiful 

October afternoons on our Arkansas dairy farm.

While feeding calves this afternoon, these pregnant cows that will have babies within the next two weeks became interested in what was happening on our side of the fence.

I'm thankful for these fall days

 and 

the  conversations I  have over the fence with these beautiful bovines!

Designer Dairy Diet

During today's monthly meeting with the  dairy nutritionist, we were sharing information about the new crop that is being chopped and test results from hay samples  that are being included in our cows'  daily diet.  Our dairy nutritionist could be described as a  cow diet designer!

With the help of our dairy nutritionist, we are constantly evaluating every ingredient that is included in their daily total mixed ration to insure that it contains the right proportion of nutrients for good nutrition and good health.

It's obvious when listening to the dairy nutritionist and the dairy farmer talk about the cows, our dairy cows are greatly respected, cared for and loved.

                                            I love watching our cows enjoy their designer diet!
                     Our dairy cows show their mutual appreciation for receiving a balanced,nutritious diet
                                                            by producing high-quality milk!

Dairy Q&A

Question:

 Why do you wrap hay ?

                                               
                                                                     Answer:
Our dairy cows eat hay everyday so it's important to have a year round supply.   Wrapping the bales in plastic is an alternate option for storing and processing forage (hay). It also decreases the time it takes from cutting to baling, decreases the  need for  increased mechanical handling and increases the potential for higher feed quality.  It's also made it possible for us to bale later in the season and utilize a variety of grasses commonly found in Northwest Arkansas.

Dairymom's Thankful Thursday

Last week these two calves and I made to a visit

 to the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter.

It was an opportunity to allow children that have never been around animals to be able to pet the calves and share how farmers care for their animals and  produce high-quality milk.

                                                                                 
                              I'm thankful for the invitation to share our dairy farm story
                 in a facility that is working to make a safer and  better life for children.