Two Pallets of Milk Donated!

 
If you don't ask the question, you won't get the answer. That's my philosophy about wanting more information, and I'm sure glad I asked the question! My question was, "Tell me about The Giving Cow program."

Let me explain. Last month I was invited to speak at the corporate offices of Cub Foods at a meeting for their Dairy Department managers. Why me? Well, who better to talk about where dairy begins than a dairy farmer? I shared information about my family farm, what we do, and also our community involvement. The milk from our farm is sold to DFA (Dairy Farmers of America) who own Kemps so I ended with this quote from the Kemps website which perfectly sums up our goal here at Bremer Farms.

"... we've always been there for each other. It's in our DNA - work hard, love your family and take care of your neighbors. It's a commitment to do the right thing. It's a way of life we live by every day supporting local programs that nourish families, build communities, and work to leave our world in better shape than we found it."

So this led me to my question, "What can we do for the community and what is The Giving Cow program all about?" And here is Kemps answer- "Milk is one of the most requested items from food shelves, but unfortunately, it's rarely donated. So we've created Kemps Giving Cow Milk. Every time you buy Kemps milk, we donate Giving Cow milk to kids-in-need."

A week later I received a phone call from Christina of Kemps announcing that Kemps and Cub Foods would like to donate TWO PALLETS of milk to our local food shelf, Hastings Family Service. That's over 6,000 cartons of milk! I'll admit it, I was so excited that I cried while on the phone.

One of two pallets of Giving Cow milk!

So last week representatives from Kemps, Cub Foods, and myself, presented the milk to Hastings Family Service.

Amy (HFS), Christina (Kemps), Jayme (Kemps), Tara (Cub Foods), Janet (Bremer Farms), Amy and Deana (HFS)

As  a DFA/Kemps dairy farmer I am proud to say that our farm is a part of making this donation happen. Bremer Farms appreciates the support that Kemps and Cub Foods gives to communities like ours.

The Giving Cow milk is ultra pasteurized which means it is shelf stable and requires no refrigeration. This is important to food pantries which typically do not have adequate refrigeration space.

It's National Fudge Day!

There is one thing that I can be sure of, without a doubt. My family LOVES chocolate! National Fudge Day seems like a perfect time to share one of our family favorite ooey, gooey, chocolatey, fudgey, recipes.  I first discovered this recipe in one of my many church cookbooks, because I don't know about you, but those cookbooks have the best recipes.

 Family favorite recipes deserve a hand-written card in my recipe file, so here you go...

 The cream cheese creates the fun of "frosting on the inside". These cupcakes are one more example of  DAIRY-GOOD cooking! How about a little milk with that cupcake?

Happy June Dairy Month!

Milk Goes To School

Do you know all the great foods that come from milk? Today's book is a funny tale about Milk's first day of school (say what?!). Yep, and then we take a tour of all the good things we get from milk.

Today's book is Milk Goes To School by Terry Border.

You can learn more about today's book by going to https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo... To learn more about Bremer Farms check out the links below: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mybarnyardview/ Blog https://mybarnyardview.blogspot.com/ Instagram @mybarnyardview

Testifying On The Milk As Default Bill

Yesterday I testified before the House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division in response to the bill to make milk a default beverage for children's meals in Minnesota. California, Vermont, and Hawaii have already adopted this law, in hopes of impacting children's health and revitalizing the dairy community. You can view my testimony here, or I have printed my testimony below.

Good morning, my name is Janet Bremer, and I dairy  farm with my husband John in Hastings. I am also the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator, working with Princess Kay of the Milky Way. When you go to the Minnesota State Fair, and visit the butter sculptures...those are my girls! But today I am here to talk about milk. Milk is our state’s official drink, and my husband and I  are proud to be among the 2,500 dairy farmers producing it every single day. 

It was one year ago when my husband John and I attended Dairy Day at the Capitol and while visiting with Senator Bigham and Representative Jurgens, John expressed an idea that he had read about ...making milk the default beverage for children’s meals. I could sit here and tell you the benefits of the 9 essential nutrients found in milk, and also tell you about the health benefits, but I am going to leave those topics to the health advocacy groups that are here today.

My husband John and I are fifth and sixth generation dairy farmers. I guess you can say farming is in our blood. John and I have always been active advocates for the dairy community. Almost 30 years ago I was hosting a school tour to our dairy farm, after explaining to the group of students what we do every day to care for our animals and our land, and describing a typical day on the farm that begins at 6:00 AM and ends 14 or more hours later, a 3rd grader asked me, "What is your husband's REAL job?" That 3rd graders question really got me to thinking about how important it is for me as a farmer to share our story, (what we do, why we do it, and the benefits of dairy foods). It’s important to share our story to all ages. 

 My hope today is that you get a glimpse of my family’s passion for the dairy industry. We are active on social media, host farm tours, make school visits, host a huge Christmas on the farm event, and I have even had several opportunities to promote dairy with the Minnesota Vikings. And today  I am here before you, sharing my dairy story and the importance of milk...advocating in a much different way. 

 Minnesota’s dairy industry has a $9 billion impact on the state. Farm employees, veterinarians, processing plants, transportation companies, retailers, all rely on Minnesota’s dairy contribution. We dairy farmers have been struggling financially. I know you have heard about the low milk prices, poor mental health, and many dairy farmers leaving the career they love. Minnesota’s dairy farmers need your help. This bill could help lay the groundwork for revitalizing the dairy industry. Fluid milk sales have slipped in recent years, partially due to children being given the option of sugary drinks. As dairy farmers, we hope you join us in support of this bill, which does not take away choices, but helps nudge people in the right direction of a healthier future for their children, and simultaneously benefits Minnesota dairy farms by incorporating Minnesota’s official drink with children’s meals. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you to Representative Jeff Brand for co-authoring this bill and asking me to testify.

We now wait to see what the next step is. We are hoping for a hearing with the Senate committee as well. Stay tuned...

A Press Conference At The State Capitol

 It was time well spent at the Minnesota State Capitol for Dairy Day. John and I attended last year also. It is a day planned by Minnesota Milk Producers Organization giving us an organized opportunity to visit with our State Senators and Representatives to discuss issues and concerns affecting the dairy community.

Janet, State Senator Karla Bigham, John

 With over half of farmers being between 50-70 years of age, we discussed the possibility of financial grants to assist beginning farmers. We spoke about the commitment farmers have to sustainability and our efforts to address climate change.

Janet, Representative Tony Jurgens, John

We expressed concern over the high health insurance premiums that continue to be a large hurdle for small businesses like dairy farms. We shared about the importance of quality roads and bridges in greater Minnesota to get our products to market, and lastly we spoke about the need for reliable Broadband internet needed for some of our machinery and animal care.

  

State Senator Karla Bigham

We also took the next step towards a discussion that began last year when we attended Dairy Day at the Capitol. Last year, we visited State Senator Bigham and shared an idea John read about that would help dairy farmers and also promote healthy habits. One year later, we stood together at a press conference to announce the introduction of legislation that would make milk the default beverage for children's meals in Minnesota. The press conference video clip (below) is a great explanation from Senator Bigham explanation of what this bill is not.

Also speaking in support of this bill were Representative Jeff Brand, and spokespersons for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Youth and Families Determined to Succeed, Twin Cities Medical Society, Healthy Kids Coalition and Minnesota Farmers Union. 

Janet speaking at the Press Conference

I also got the opportunity to represent Minnesota's dairy farmers at the press conference. Here are the words I shared-

"Good afternoon, my name is Janet Bremer, and I farm with my husband John in Hastings. Milk is our official drink, and we are proud to be among the 2,500 dairy farmers producing it every single day. We are so thankful to Senator Bigham for taking an idea and turning it into a bill, and today are excited to see the support from the many health advocacy groups and agriculture groups joining us here at the Dairy Day at the Capitol to further explain this bill. Minnesota's dairy industry has a $9 billion impact on the state, and this bill could help lay the groundwork for revitalizing the dairy industry. Fluid milk sales have slipped in recent years, partially due to children being given the option of sugary drinks. Obviously, these drinks are sweeter and in the short term the body may think it is getting a treat, but in the long term, it can lead to diabetes and other health issues. Milk has nine essential vitamins and minerals. We hope others join us in support of this bill, which does not take away choices, but helps nudge people in the right direction of a healthier future for their kids, and simultaneously benefits Minnesota dairy farms." 

So what's next? Later this week I will be testifying at the committee hearing. I will be joined by several health advocacy groups also, I am excited by this process, and more importantly excited that our dairy voice is being heard. Also that a discussion is happening about the importance of the dairy industry, and the health benefits of Minnesota's official state drink!

V is for Volunteer

Each June my family and I volunteer to serve cookies and milk after our church services in celebration of National Dairy Month. Here's the smiles that 21 dozen home baked cookies and 6 gallons of icy cold milk brings to our church family.

Another empty gallon!

Thanks to everyone for supporting the dairy industry by enjoying dairy!

F is for Fresh

Say hi to Greg. He's the guy on the right. He drives the milk truck that takes the milk from our farm to the processing plant. Today he brought his grandson along. I think his grandson may be a milk hauler in training. :)

Every other day Greg comes to Bremer Farms to pick up our milk and deliver it to Zumbrota, Minnesota or Land 'O Lakes in Woodbury, Minnesota. There it will be processed to be sold as milk or cottage cheese or sour cream or cheese or lots of other dairy foods.

Greg has to back his truck between two barns to get the milk. He's a great driver so we have complete faith he can squeeze in the tight spot. I think milk trucks must have been smaller when our barns were built so close together. :)

Everything gets documented- the name of the farm, how much milk is picked up, and the number on the sample bottle.

Each farm that Greg (and all milk haulers) go to gets a milk sample taken from their bulk tank. When arriving at the milk processing plant, a sample from the truck will then be run through a series of tests before it is allowed to unload. This is done to ensure that the entire load is perfect! If not (which happens less than .02% of the time) the samples from each farm are tested to see which farm is responsible. You can read about the penalty here.

After the sample is taken, Greg prepares all the equipment he needs to safely handle the milk. This is the hose that he will attach to our cooling tank.

It gets attached to the bottom of our bulk tank, and about as quick as you can say "I love milk!"  1,000 gallons of milk is safely loaded in the milk truck.

We are thrilled with the safe way that Greg handles and transports the milk. The milk that left our farm today, will be in your grocery store in less than 48 hours, and milk is local too. Most milk is produced within 100 miles of where it is sold! Local, safe, and fresh, that's a win-win-win!

FYI- Milk labeled as "antibiotic free" is misleading  All milk sold is antibiotic free!

I've Been Doing Some Updating

I began "My Barnyard View" on May 12, 2012. Thanks to you my readers, I have continued, thanks to your support and encouragement, and your continued desire to know what happens on Bremer Farms. Take a look around and you'll see some new additions to the HOME page. I added information tabs about our family-

our cows-

our land-

and our products.

Happy reading!

Santa On The Farm 2017

We at Bremer farms are bustling about as fast as Santa's Elves right now. While the Elves are building toys at the North Pole, we are creating a Christmas extravaganza on the farm, and we hope you will come for a visit. Santa and the lovely Mrs. Claus are taking time away from their busy schedule to be here to greet you!

Here's a sneak peek-

A few of our gingerbread houses.

There may not be gingerbread samples, but there will be goodie bags for the kids, and candy canes for all! We will also be collecting food donations for Hastings Family Service and cash donations for the Great American Milk Drive. On average, people served by food banks receive the equivalent of less than 1 gallon of milk per person per year.

Snoopy is helping too!

There will be thousands of lights, characters you will recognize, and be sure to tune your car radio to 88.9FM to watch the light show synced to music. This year's show features "The Christmas Without A Santa Claus."

We hope you can come!

June Dairy Month 2017

We at Bremer Farms, and dairy farms all across the United States are celebrating! Each June we raise our glass in a toast to dairy farming and dairy foods. June Dairy Month is an annual celebration that began in 1937 as a campaign to encourage people to strengthen bones and build a foundation of good health by drinking milk.

I'd like to invite you to take time this month to learn more about dairy. During the month of June I will be sharing the life of our dairy farm family including who we are, what we do, how we share our passion for dairy, and dairy foods and recipes we enjoy. I'll also be introducing you to some of the "stars" of our herd...the ladies that provide us with that milk you had on your cereal this morning, or that cheese on your grilled cheese sandwich you're having for lunch, or perhaps that bowl of ice cream for your bedtime snack. See? You're celebrating too!

2016, Gone But Not Forgotten

2016 Top Ten Most Viewed Blog Posts

My Barnyard View

If you haven't read them, click on the post title and you'll be there.

10. P Is For Planting I planted corn for the first time in our nearly 33 years of marriage. Here is how planting is done, from a rookies point of view.

9. G Is For Greek Yogurt What's the difference between Greek yogurt and traditional yogurt? Also find out why I almost named this blog, "G is for Good Gosh, Why Do We Farm?"

8. T Is For Teeth and Trivia Do cows bite? I get this question a lot. I also share other cow trivia in this blog post.

7. F Is For Farmer John There is a familiar saying, "If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life." I believe this is Farmer John's motto.

6. X, Y, Z, All Done After blogging every day during June Dairy Month, and as June Dairy Month draws to a close, I hope you have come to realize how passionate my family and I are about the farming lifestyle we live. I also included the top ten reasons I love dairy.

5. L Is For Local Did you know that milk travels from my farm to a grocery store within 48 hours? Also, I share how you can find out where the milk you buy comes from.

4. D Is For Dairy3ForMe A letter to Fair Oaks Elementary where I shared my story of life on a dairy farm to 437 students and their teachers. What is Dairy3ForMe and what did the students pledge to do?

3. I Is For Ice Cream (With Topping and History) I share a bit of family history about Farmer John's grandparents who farmed, and also Grandma Schaar's Butter Pecan Sauce recipe. Yummy!

2. Miss America, The Farm Girl I was invited to attend a gathering to meet Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell as she visited a local dairy farm. She's a farm girl too who shared her passion of "Healthy Children, Strong America."

1. Saying Goodbye To Mom I still cry each time I read this post. This was a tough year, as my Mom passed away just one week before I spent the next 14 days at the Minnesota State Fair fulfilling my duties as the State Dairy Princess Coordinator. Through the love and care from all of you, I  moved forward just as Mom would have wanted, as she also shared my dairy passion as a fellow farmer. It makes my heart smile to know that so many of you read my tribute to her, therefore putting this post as the most read of 2016. I am thankful to each of you!

Thank you for continuing to follow me and my family on our journey as we go through life as passionate and proud dairy farmers. 

PS- Have you checked out my other social media sites?