Blog
Keeping Cows Cool in The Summer Heat
Dairy farmer Betsy Bullard with veterinarians Meghan Flanagan and Jana Zwetsloot of Annabessacook Veterinary Clinic during their weekly visit at Brigeen Farms in Turner. If a cow could speak, a dairy farmer would probably ask her 20 questions a day, at least, like: How are you today? Feeling all right? Can I get you anything? … Continued
How Now Brown Cow
Although she’s second in milk production only to the Holstein and well-known for her docile personality, the Brown Swiss never caught on with the popularity of some of the other milking breeds. For the Smith family of East Dixfield, there’s no other breed they would rather have in their barn. The Smith family of More … Continued
Playing Favorites? Maybe Just a Little.
Bella’s not a super friendly cow. Her normal expression is something akin to a scowl. She’s still one of Carrie Whitcomb’s favorites of her family’s herd of 300 Jersey and Guernsey dairy cows in Waldo, Maine. “She’s been around forever and knows what to do,” Carrie said of the 12-year-old Jersey. “When we are putting … Continued
Wind Gate Farm – Headstrong & Steadfast
Wind Gate Farm did not get its names for gentle breezes that rustle the maple leaves and set the pasture grasses to swaying. It’s named for the ferocious gusts that will rattle the roof tin until you wonder if it will still be there by morning and cut through you like a blade of ice … Continued
Being Her Own Best Man
Sonja Ginn is the dairy farmer on Willow Drive Farm in Winterport. The whole family pitches in when they can. Her son Ben will be the one to probably take over the farm when the day comes. He also works with his father Dale as a logger Monday-Friday, rushing to the farm as soon as … Continued
Yankee Ingenuity at Work on Highland Farms
In 1953, Jennifer Kimball and Johanna Chapman’s great-grandfather Robert Pike thought, “There has got to be a better way to milk cows.” The process involved bending over to clean and prep the cow’s udder before attaching a milking unit to each cow as she stood in her stanchions. They were only able to milk a … Continued
What People Have to Say
Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council works with schools across the state, offering grants each year for needed school nutrition equipment.
Ellen Dore, RSU 16
The staff loves them (the red coolers) because they are just the right size for milk, pack out field trips and they keep everything cold. Kids at the summer camp help to unload the van and it's a competition as to who can carry the red bag by themselves without needing help (Milk helps to grow muscles twice-once to carry it and twice drinking it!) Once again, the red cooler bags helped to make the summer a success!!!
Mary Sue Thompson, Machias
The smoothie machine prompted creativity from our kitchen staff, and the students now appreciate the variety in their breakfasts. Support like this helps small rural schools offer diverse menu options.
Perley Martin, RSU 71
Thank you so much for your continued partnership to make our program better.
Tammy Connors, RSU 74
All of the RSU #74 schools have been fortunate to receive generous support, encouragement and funding from the Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council. Most recently, our High School received a needed Milk Barrel in the fitting Cow Pattern to go along with our farming communities. Our 3 elementary schools have held many friendly competitions to raise awareness of the importance of healthy habits & drinking vitamin rich milk. The support we have received over the years is invaluable and provides not only the financial support but resources and knowledge to help us all, in the classrooms and kitchens, to educate students on the importance of making life-long healthy choices.
Tyler Guerin, Portland Public Schools Nutrition Program
They (red insulated coolers) were essential in serving our community during the summer months, allowing our program to focus on meal quality without worrying about limited cooler space.
Melissa Belanger, RSU 87
The addition of the yogurt bar to our breakfast has given the students participating more choices which I believe has helped us to keep our numbers where they are at now. We are so appreciative of this grant and all it has helped us to accomplish.
