Blog
2018 Maine Green Pastures Winner – Highland Farms
Highland Farms, Inc. in Cornish has a long, interesting history in the Maine dairy farming community. With the upcoming generations, their future looks just as enduring. Family member and dairy farmer Libby Bleakney is proud that the family has been able to maintain their beautiful, well-kept farm so that the next generations come back to … Continued
2017 Maine Green Pastures Winner – Hall Farms
The Hall family has farmed in East Dixfield since 1816. When a dairy farm family is in a community for three, four, five, six, seven, or eight generations like many of Maine’s dairy farms, those families are not only deeply invested in their farm, but in their community. You’ll often see their names on school … Continued
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
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.
Tina Fabian, RSU 3
The milk barrels were a fun and engaging marketing tool to showcase milk. Displaying them at the end of our serving line had a noticeable impact, encouraging more students to choose milk with their meals. We sincerely appreciate the support of the Maine Dairy Council in helping make this possible!
Denise Tapley, RSU 89
The coolers were extremely useful to our program, besides use in the regular summer program. The kids thought they were super cool and awesome looking! We appreciate your organization so much and love our coolers.
Wendy McDonald, Orrington and Dedham
The students love seeing the milk in the milk barrels and picking it up themselves. They like that the milk is so cold- that has really surprised them how cold the barrels keep the milk.
Ellen Dore, RSU 16
As always, the Maine Dairy Council goes above and beyond to help Maine children receive the nutrition they need. RSU 16 has benefited from their help and guidance for many years. From smoothie blenders to milk barrels and of course my personal favorite the red summer feeding cooler bags!! Our kiddos always recognize the round cow barrels mean grab a milk to start your meal!
Cyndi Kimball, Easton
This piece of equipment is the coolest—both figuratively and literally. The students truly enjoy having access to the yogurt bar, especially with the fresh fruit mix-ins. Honestly, we didn’t realize just how much yogurt we were going through until we saw the distributor’s numbers. It's clearly a big hit!
Tammy Conners, RSU 74
We have been fortunate to be able to receive coolers when needed for many years. The coolers are a must to serve meals off site and away from our cafeterias (summer meals, field trips or simply spring picnics outside.) The size is much safer for staff to carry than a large chest cooler and we do pack reasonably even though the coolers can hold a full crate of milk. Your support is very much appreciated!
