Life on a Farm
Dairy farmers work hard every day to bring you fresh, wholesome milk, which is then used in great tasting dairy products. Almost all dairies are family-owned, and as active members of their communities, farm families take pride in maintaining natural resources. That means preserving the land where they live and work, protecting the air and water they share with neighbors, and providing the best care for their cows—the lifeblood of their business. The following is an informative profile from a surprising member of the diverse dairy farm community.
From City to Country and Loving It
By Suzanne Vold
I used to work 9-to-5 in the corporate world for an investment bank. I was about as far away from cows and farm life as you could get.
Then I met my husband, Brad, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, and my life changed in so many ways for the better. We were married in 1995 and within a week of being married, I moved from a big city to a small town and started a totally new career as a dairy farmer.
In my previous work, I was a very small cog in a big machine. I dealt with a lot of red tape and the daily decisions I made had little impact on the overall business. I helped make money, but I didn’t have anything tangible at the end of the day where I could say “I helped produce this.”
The life of a dairy farmer is just the opposite. Instead of saying “I helped someone make investments today” I now can say, “I cared for these animals today” or, “I helped to produce this milk today” or, “I helped to raise this field of soybeans.” It’s so much more rewarding.
Brad’s family has been on this land for more than a hundred years. It is an honor to be part of such a deep heritage. The generations that came before us had the same concern for the environment that we do today, which is why the farm is still thriving.
Since we live and work on our farm, it’s very important for us to maintain the environment. That means clean air and clean water for us and for our cows. We’re all drinking the same water. It only makes sense to make sure that it’s healthy and pure.
The cows are the most important part of our dairy. Our goal is to keep them content and healthy. They used to lie on mattresses. Later we switched to deep beds of wood shavings. The shavings are like sand, but sand isn’t available around here, so we switched to something that’s just as comfortable.
Minnesota has unique challenges because of its cold weather. We’ve had days where it’s 40-below, but our barns are 20-above, which is very comfortable for the cows.
We also installed extended-day lighting for them. Cows are like people during the winter months. The darkness can make them crabby. So we provide them artificial light for 16 hours a day during the dark periods of the winter. This definitely improves their mood.
We do all of this because the cows are our livelihood, and without them there’s no dairy, period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milk and Dairy Farms
How much milk does a cow give each day?
On average, a cow will produce 6-7 gallons of milk each day.
How do dairy farmers care for the land and other natural resources?
Most dairy farmers live and work on their farms everyday, so it’s important for them to protect the land, water and air for their families, their surrounding communities and future generations. All dairy farms must meet standards for manure storage, handling and recycling per guidelines from their state and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Caring for the environment is a smart business practice, and helps to ensure healthy cows, happy neighbors and a safe home.
How and why is milk pasteurized?
All milk intended for direct consumption should be pasteurized -- it's a matter of food safety. Pasteurization is a simple, effective method to kill potentially harmful bacteria without affecting the taste or nutritional value of milk. With standard pasteurization, milk is heated to a temperature of at least 161 degrees Fahrenheit for not less than 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling.
Is organic milk better for me and my family than “regular” milk? Organic milk is just one of many options in the dairy case to fit different lifestyles and personal preferences. Organic and regular milk are equally good for you. Check the nutrition label, and you’ll see that every 8-ounce serving offers the same amount of essential nutrients. For information on the nutritional value of dairy products, visit the National Dairy Council.
What’s different about organic farms?
A specific set of farming practices makes milk and other foods eligible for USDA “certified organic” status. On organic dairies, cows are exclusively given organically grown feed, are allowed access to pasture and direct sunlight, are not treated with hormones, and are not given antibiotics or other prohibited medications. If they are given medication, then they must permanently leave the milking herd.
Many of the same practices are utilized by conventional dairy farmers, as all farmers make the welfare of their animals and environmental stewardship top priorities.