Summer Schedules

Summer is definitely in full swing.  The cows have claimed spots under the shade trees, tractors are a common site on the roads going from one hayfield to the next and the sunset from my back door reminds me that it's well past supper time (even if the boys are still outside).  Several of my friends have taken up residency (or so it seems) at the local ball parks and complain that they don't have enough time in the day.  The local fairs & rodeos have started and parents are busy hustling kids from one event to the next. 

June Dairy Month is in full swing.  I normally have events planned out to celebrate everything dairy, but like everyone else, I've been busy as can be.  With so many busy schedules, don't forget to take time to enjoy some nutritious dairy products.  I think I'll try to enjoy a few more sunsets while savoring a smoothie, bowl of ice cream or a glass of milk...

Trip to the Grocery Store

Lately I've noticed that some of my most interesting conversations happen in the grocery store or feed store.  Everyone is so busy these days that it's not uncommon to run into friends that we haven't seen in ages and catch up...even in the grocery store.  I don't know how many times I've told hubby that I was going to make a quick trip to the store, only to be asked what took so long when I finally make it home. 

I learn all kinds of interesting things at the store; activities going on in the community, an illness of a neighbor, new businesses, upcoming events, etc...  Sometimes the feed store is the place to be.  Farmers solve all kinds of world problems at the feed store.  It's really not much different from a bunch of parents waiting to pick up kids at school or ball practice.  We all know our ideas won't go much further than our conversations, but it's almost like therapy finding out you're not alone in your ideas and opinions.

Inevetitably, the price of fuel, living expenses and groceries comes up.  I'll be the first to admit that going to the store to buy groceries isn't the most favorite chore on my list.  Sometimes I have a hard time getting people to realize that we have the safest, most affordable food supply in the world right here in the United States.  Americans spend less disposable income on their food than any other country.  Still not convinced?  Try taking out the non-essentials and tally up what you consume as food.  It might surprise you. 

Here are a few facts that I received from Missouri Farm Bureau:

Americans spend approximately 10% of their disposable income on food.
58% of food is purchased for consumption at home; 42% away from home.
Amount of income spent on food in other countries: Pakistan 50%, Philippines 38%, China 32%, Japan 14%.

Remember that dairy products give more bang for your buck by providing essential nutrients needed in the daily diet.  You can find more information and recipes at http://www.midwestdairy.com/ or http://www.dairymakessense.com/.  Be sure to Thank A Farmer for the safe, affordable we enjoy here in the United States...after you get caught up with all the news while at the grocery store!

Dairymom blog?

Do you love your job? Do you take your work home with you? Can you imagine not being able to leave work? While this may sound extreme, it's what most farmers do every day. We live on the farm that we work on and it's where we raise our family. It has it's ups and downs, but for the most part, I don't think we would change much about our way of life.

Last month I started blogging. Some of my friends think I've lost my mind. Honestly, some days I think my mind went out the window a long time ago. So why would a mom/wife/farmer want to blog or tweet? Maybe it's a form of venting, but mainly it's a way for me to get the true story of agriculture out there.

There's nothing like having your child come home from a school trip and inform you that we're "bad people" because we farm. He was told on this field trip (sponsored by a water shed group) that "farmers pollute the water". After the initial shock wore off, I talked with my son about how many regulations we abide by and how much good water quality means to us as dairy farmers. Not only does the well that we get our drinking water from supply our home, it supplies water for our animals and is used to clean our milking system. The well gets tested on a regular basis to ensure that it's up to standards for cleaning the milk system. Thankfully he understood, but the damage was already done and would be very hard to undo to his very impressionable classmates.

So here I am, blogging, tweeting and spending time on facebook trying to undo some of the misconceptions in agriculture. Will I be able to make a difference? Maybe. I guess if nothing else, I can do some venting.

You can also take a virtual tour of our farm on : http://www.farmersfeedus.org/mo

Dairy Month Every Month

We're entering the last days of June Dairy Month rather quickly and I know it's been a busy one around here. I was able to attend a few dairy functions this month and spread the message of how farmers really do care about our land, animals and producing a wholesome product. Once July 1st rolls in, we can start celebrating Ice Cream Month!

No matter what month it is or what we're "celebrating", you can be sure that dairy farmers across the United States are working very hard every day to produce a nutritious product. We aren't going to take a long weekend or the rest of the summer off because June is over. In some ways, you might say that we have Dairy Month every month.

Ask any farmer if they've ever missed out or been late to a family gathering, school or church function, or even an appointment and I'll bet almost every one of them have. It's not that they choose to; it's usually due to an emergency or unexpected problem compliments of a cow, piece of equipment or weather. A true farmer is committed to their best, because farming isn't just a job, it's a way of life. Nobody ever said it was easy, but if it were, wouldn't everyone want to be a dairy farmer?

Enjoy something dairy delicious and celebrate Dairy Month all year long!