Milk And Middler-Schoolers

Most of my school visits to talk about being a dairy farmer happen at elementary schools. Recently I was invited to speak at Maplewood Middle School. For you non-Minnesotan's, Maplewood is considered a suburb of St. Paul, with a population of nearly 40,000 so farmin' country it is not. 

 

I began with my Powerpoint presentation, sharing about my family, our farm, and what we do each day. I talked about feeding our animals, the milking process, and what happens when animals get sick. We moved on to a discussion of dairy foods and how they get to the grocery store. 

Even though the teacher suggested the students hold their questions until the end of my presentation, I kept getting interrupted with questions... and I loved it! I witnessed enthusiasm and great questions from these middle-schoolers along with a strong desire to learn more about dairy farming and where their food comes from. Here are some of my favorite questions-

Q.- When you buy 1% milk, what is the other 99%?

A.- All types of milk are 100% milk. The percentages included in the names of the milk indicate how much fat is in the milk by weight. All of these milks contain the nine essential nutrients found in whole milk but less fat.

Q.- I've heard that we are supposed to drink chocolate milk after sports. Why?

A.- Chocolate milk contains a combination of carbohydrates and protein to help replenish exhausted muscles after exercise, and provides potassium and sodium that help your body re-hydrate. And, there's an added bonus- chocolate milk is natural, and less expensive than sports drinks!

And now it was time for me to ask the students some questions...

Me- "Why do you think I go to schools to talk about dairy farming?"

Them- "So we can find out what you do and why it's important for us to drink milk?"

Me- "That's right. As you probably know, not everything you read or see on social media or TV or the internet is always true.

 (Them...laughter)

Me- " If you have a concern about your dog or cat, who do you talk to?" 

Them- "The vet."

Me- "If you have a question about your car, who do you talk to?"

Them- "A mechanic."

Me- "So if you have a question about your food, why wouldn't you talk to a farmer?"

(Them- heads nodding yes.)

Mission accomplished!

Maplewood Middle School knows the importance of milk and  

participates in the Fuel Up To Play 60 program.

Thanks to  Michele, Miss Martha, and the students of Maplewood Middle school for a moovelous time!

Good-Bye Old Friend

Earlier this week the Minnesota State Fair closed its gates for another year, but my family hopped on the bus several times during its 12 day run to experience the fun and excitement. Come along as I share a few of our adventures.

 

Some days at the Fair begin with a little work, and I use the term "work" very loosely. For several years I have been asked to judge 4-H demonstrations. I love evaluating the 4-Her's presentations, and each year I am amazed at what I learn about their projects!
 After lunch and some chocolate milk refueling, it was off to watch the parade.

  We waved hello to this years Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Jeni Haler.

And yes, dairy farmers occasionally drink something other than milk. We made soda cans with our names on. No fighting over whose can is whose.

Then it was time to play detective. Since my dad passed away one year ago, and he was a huge Fair fan and supporter, our family felt it was appropriate to donate something to the Minnesota State Fair. Ta-da! The Glen Brown memorial bench!

What's a Fair without food? Time to support the hog farmers with some unbelievable maple flavored "bacon on a stick."

Son Michael and I rubbed elbows (almost) with celebrity Garrison Keillor of Praire Home Companion.

When Farmer John and I go to the Fair, part of our time is spent talking dairy. Each year we volunteer in the Moo Booth. With most people two to three generations removed from farming, this is our chance to answer questions that may have been answered by their farming relatives in the past. 

Farmer John and I were also presented with a special Champion for Dairy ribbon in acknowledgment of our 15+ years of volunteering to answer questions and share our love for the farming life we love.

Before heading home to milk our cows, we always check out the...

Our neighbor, and Princess Kay finalist, Gabriella Sorg was having her likeness carved in butter. You can learn about the Butterhead process here.

My family and I are always sad to see the Fair come to a close. Thank goodness we take lots of pictures to help us relive the memories. Until next year...good-bye old friend!

R Is For Refueling

It's June dairy Month! The barn doors are open, 

so join me on my daily A to Z journey 

to learn more about dairy. 

  Today R Is For Refueling

Meet Alex, today's guest blogger. 

Alexandra Larson, MS, RD, LD is a registered and licensed dietitian. She has worked the past four years as a supermarket dietitian for Hy-Vee, Inc., and will soon begin her new position with Midwest Dairy Association as a Health and Wellness Program Manager. Alex is currently training for Ironman Wisconsin, a 2.4 mi swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mi run event in Madison, Wisconsin on September 7, 2014. She blogs about her training, as well as providing sports nutrition and triathlon information on her blog Dietitian That “Tri”s. 

Whether you are training for a 5K walk/run race or an Ironman triathlon, athletes of all ages, shapes and sizes need a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fat to keep their bodies fueled and performing at their peak. There are hundreds of different sports-specific products on the market with claims of providing you with the edge over your competition.

 

As a registered dietitian and a triathlete I always aim to receive my nutrition first and foremost through food. Fortunately, dairy is a nutritional powerhouse providing superior quality protein, and makes an easy and affordable way to fuel your body. In fact, research shows that chocolate milk is almost twice as effective in refueling exhausted muscles and helps athletes build more muscle and perform better.

What makes chocolate milk so superior? Here is a list of its assets:

•   An ideal ratio of carbohydrates-to-protein that is scientifically shown to refuel and rebuild exhausted muscles.
•  High quality whey protein, that is easy for our body to digest and absorb quickly.
•   Fluids to rehydrate.
•   Electrolytes including calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium to help replenish what’s lost through sweat. These nutrients combined with the vitamin D provided in milk will also help build and maintain strong bones and reduce risk for stress fractures.
•   B vitamins for energy.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and The American College of Sports Medicine, athletes should consume a mix of carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes after the completion of a workout. It is within this window of time that our body will replenish depleted carbohydrate stores the fastest allowing for a quick recovery.

As a training athlete, I always keep dairy options handy in the refrigerator to keep myself fueled and ready to go. When I need a snack between meals, I can’t go wrong with whole-grain crackers and string cheese or fresh fruit with Greek yogurt.

 

I can say without a doubt that dairy products have been my saving grace during training. Many times I lack an appetite after a hard workout, and fortunately flavored milk always seems appetizing post-training. I also enjoy carrying dairy products such as Nesquik that have been ultra-pasteurized making them shelf stable until opened. These work great when I’m constantly on-the-go and traveling.

Check out Alex’s Dietitian That “Tri”s blog for more detailed information on post-workout refueling. 

To read more of Alex's guest blog posts on My Barnyard View see

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