I was at the National Dairy Council meeting at their corporate headquarters in Chicago and learned a great deal about their passion for the local dairy farmer. I have to say that I was moved by many of the participants that shared their stories about interactions they had with farmers.
I think one story that struck me was Jean's. Jean Gagalie is an RDN and President of the National Dairy Council. She was invited to join a family farm for a few days to really learn about their life and commitment to providing fresh dairy products to the community.
She had to be up everyday at 4:30 am in the morning to care for the cows and get them properly milked. After those chores were completed, breakfast and then routine maintenance and care of the farm itself. Then 4:30 pm in the afternoon the dairy cows had to once again have their afternoon care and be milked.
By the time she was done, it was almost 9 pm and they would have dinner. The next morning, up again at 4:30 am and the day would begin again.
We don't often think about the work, care, love and passion these farmers have to provide us with fresh foods. We, (I know I did) take these labors of love for granted because we are not seeing all the work it takes to produce these foods that we enjoy.
Jean shared with us how hard they work but also have lovingly and proud they worked. They were really proud of the food they were providing and loved their livestock. They really cared for them.*
Nourish Thought for the Day:
This month as we celebrate National Farm to School Month, let's take a moment to appreciate the labor of love that goes into each glass of milk, piece of cheese or bite of nonfat yogurt that our children enjoy.
More Fun Farm to Table Resources for Kids
email
print
share
tweet
0 Comments