Our Farms
Anything but Just a Number
Though Taylor Dairy Farm is home to a large herd of cattle, each animal gets individual attention. They’re anything but just a number. While this might look like a whole lot of Jersey cows, Taylor Farm relies on technology and personal interaction with the cows to ensure they are healthy and happy. With nearly 1,800 Jersey cattle … 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
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
An Office With a View
Dairy farming is not a money-making endeavor. People stick with it because of the lifestyle it offers, because they have a family history, would much rather work out in a field or with a barnful of obstinate cows than being tied down to a desk. Although there’s a fair amount of desk time with the … 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.