Archive: Around Town

Life on a dairy farm can be hard to imagine for those who have not worked in such a field. Many people understand that dairy farming requires a copious amount of hard work-but what exactly do dairy farmers do throughout their day?

My name is Julia Fouts, and as Tompkins County Alternate Dairy Princess, I will explain what my family, and many others, do throughout their career. First off, each day the cows must be milked, fed, and kept comfortable; those chores are routine, and take up several hours.

Next are seasonal chores. From late spring to early fall, many dairy farmers plant and harvest crops for their cows. Planting and harvesting includes long days in the field, maintaining machinery, and storing all the feed that is collected.

In the winter, New York farmers deal with frozen equipment, piled up snow, and keeping their animals warm. Demands on a dairy farm are also random each day, and farmers wear many hats, acting as veterinarians, environmentalists, businessmen, and many more. Whether it's deciding the best ventilation system for the new barn or treating a sick cow, daily chores on a dairy farm are usually unexpected and include continual problem solving.


Every dairy farm has its own rhythm and extra chores to accomplish, but one thing connects them all-their dedication to care for their cows, land, air, and water. With these four aspects in excellent condition, the farm works effectively, resulting in higher quality milk for the consumer. In each gallon of milk bought at the store, there is a farmer behind it, a farmer who worked to care for its farm and provide safe, healthy milk.

The Tompkins County Dairy Princess Program is made possible through the support of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, the local planning and management organization funded by dairy farmer check off dollars.

	Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Shake Makes 1 Serving Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 5 min Ingredients 1 cup fat free or lowfat milk 1/2 cup frozen banana slices 1 tbsp. peanut butter 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract sweet cocoa powder (optional) Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, if desired.

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