As Father’s Day approaches, we turn our attention to the unsung heroes of our daily lives – the dairy farmer dads. These remarkable men not only nurture their families with love and wisdom but also dedicate themselves to the tireless, often underappreciated work of dairy farming. From the early mornings to the late-night checks in the barn, they embody the spirit of hard work and perseverance.

Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary fathers, delving into their daily routines, their challenges, and the unique joys they find in balancing the roles of dedicated farmer and devoted dad.

We spoke with dairy farmers Matt Pavelski and Jody Neal to delve into their experiences both on and off the farm to gain insights into the joys they celebrate as farmer dads.

Meet Jody Neal of Orleans Poverty Hill Farm

Albion, NY

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? Did you grow up in a farm family as well?

I grew up in Albion, N.Y., on Orleans Poverty Hill Farms. The farm was started by my grandfather Franklyn in 1956 and my dad Edward joined after high school in 1964. Our family was very active on the farm – all four of us children helped. I always worked more with the cattle.

You mentioned that you’ve always been into technology. What was it about tech that intrigued you as much as it has? What’s one of the first innovations that you worked on?

Growing up I can always remember my dad saying, “Work smarter not harder.”  I have always tried to find ways to make things more efficient and to make work on the farm easier or more enjoyable. Over the years I have tinkered with lots of ideas like remote control gates in the feed alley of the barn making feeders’ jobs easier. I also built a calf feeding cart and windrow merger that were good ideas in concept but were never really perfected. Some of my more successful projects are the feeding center we have and the group calf barn we designed.

Recently, you and two of your sons won 2^nd place in the national agriculture innovation challenge at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. Tell us about the system that you all developed that brought home this award.

Zachary, Jayden and I presented the Vortex from udderways.com, a teat cleaning tool, at the Salt Lake City American Farm Bureau convention. It has been neat to see this project grow over the years and see where each of us has been able to use and develop personal skills. The original goal was to use Ozone water (water infused with ozone (O₃), a powerful disinfectant used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens) on the farm as a disinfectant. We ended up making our own application tool by using home 3D printers. Zachary originally bought the first printer and seeing the concept even convinced family and friends to “invest” in it with him. Jayden was intrigued after he got it and was determined to make it work; that was not an easy task with the older printers. Over time after lots of ideas, revisions and attempts, we realized we had a tool that could wash, dry and stimulate dairy cows for milking. We decided to try for a patent. That was a very rewarding day when we found out that it was issued. Jayden has always had more of the technical and engineering role in the project, I came at it from more the concept and animal side, and Zachary was always involved but really shines as we bring it to market, and we competed in the competition. He presented in Salt Lake City and continues to help develop our marketing strategy.

Are all four of your kids involved in robotics? What was one of the first tech projects that you worked on with your sons and what was so memorable about that experience?

Andrea and I have four children and although robotics was a big part of our family’s life for a while, it was not for all of them. Jayden was heavily involved in the technical side of robotics and Zachary was involved, but always leaned toward team leadership and strategy roles on the team.  I have two daughters – Kasey and Adelynn. Kasey is passionate about the farm and is very active in a lot of roles. She owns a horse and enjoys showing.  Adelynn is my little chef who loves animals and has been nicknamed “Chef in Boots” because she likes to come cook breakfast for the farm crew. Addy also has a love for fishing. Not just catching it, but then cooking it!

One of the first projects Jayden worked on was a homemade RFID tag reader to identify cows.  He found the parts he needed then programmed a microcontroller, with a few PVC parts and a soldering iron he had a tag reader for under $100.

If you could snap your fingers and bring an innovation to life, what would it be and why?

I don’t think I can narrow it to one thing. I like to move on to the next thing, and my sons have helped to keep me focused. A big one is to take the amount of data we are surrounded with on a farm and tie it together. Everyone seems to be working on it but from the cow side of the business it is crazy how much more comfortable and efficient we could get as we perfect this. Also watching robotics evolve gives me some ideas on future milking system layouts.

Meet Matt Pavelski of JoSan Farm

Susquehanna, PA

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up? Did you grow up in a farm family as well?

I grew up and worked on our family farm my entire life. I graduated from Penn State University in 2004, and this month marks my 10-year anniversary with my amazing wife, Glenda.

How old are your kids Barrett and Bowen? You mentioned that they play sports. What sports do they play, and do you coach any of their teams?

We have two energetic boys, Barrett (8) and Bowen (5), who are both in youth baseball and soccer leagues. Barrett’s now old enough to try out and earn a spot on our local U10 competitive soccer travel team, which we’re all excited about. Fortunately, we have some great parents that step up to help coach, so I haven’t had to coach their teams. I just get to enjoy watching!

What do your kids love the most about the farm? Between school and sports, they are already busy, but are they involved in helping at the farm as well?

We are fortunate enough to have a significant number of family members around, so we have never had to use day care for the boys. They’ve essentially been in the barn and playing in and around the cows from the time they could walk. This will be Barrett’s first year in 4-H so he’s excited and working with his calves daily. He enjoys the competitive nature of showing cows and has shown at our championship show and county fair for the last few years.

Bo is showing a calf as well but is more into riding tractors, fieldwork, and making hay. Anything that has to do with tractors and implements, our Bo will tell exactly how to run it.

How long have you been involved with your local 4-H program? What do you love the most about it?

I have been involved with 4-H my entire life. About 40 years ago, our county started a two-day ‘dairy camp’ where 4-H members from across the county can come and practice fitting and showmanship and participate in a mock show to practice for the real thing. Our farm provided animals for the dairy camp from the very beginning for kids to work with. As a member, I showed cows along with a few family friends who didn’t live on farms but leased animals from us to show in 4-H.

Once I aged out, we continued to lease calves and heifers for kids to show. Now, my nieces and nephews show as well, and as I mentioned before, Barrett is starting his first year in 4-H with dairy and beef projects. 4-H always provides a great work ethic and establishes a great sense of responsibility. It’s such a joy to watch my son now participating in that. We are also lucky to have great friends from across the county who share the same ideals, and every summer 4-H brings together a great sense of community, which I have been able to appreciate more as I’ve gotten older.

You mentioned that you host a 2^nd grade field trip on the farm and have been doing so for over 35 years. What’s your favorite part about hosting these trips? What are some of the most memorable questions that you have been asked by students?

The annual 2nd grade field trip took place last month. Second grade is the perfect age because you feel like you’re having an adult conversation with them. The questions that they ask are anything from the normal, “How much to they weigh?” “Are they pregnant?” “How much milk do they make?” Some of the most fun questions we’re asked are, “How many teeth do they have?” “Do cows sneeze?” “Do they poop a lot?” It’s fun to see them so energetic and engaging on these field trips.

Celebrating mothers who are dairy farmers is a testament to their dedication and hard work in providing nourishment not only for their families but also for their communities. These resilient women rise early and work tirelessly both on and off the farm. Their nurturing spirit extends beyond their own families to caring for the land and animals that sustain them. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to honor their efforts and unwavering commitment to their livelihoods and the dairy industry.

We talked with four dairy farmer moms and a mother-daughter duo to learn when their careers in farming began, their hobbies, motherhood, and everything in-between.

Meet mother-daughter duo Lisa and Casey Porter of Porterdale Farms

Did you grow up in a farm family as well? How long have you been part of the Porterdale Farm?

Lisa: I grew up on a farm in Erie County, New York with my mom and dad and three siblings.  We all showed calves in 4-H, played sports, and went to church and school together. We didn’t have much, but we didn’t know it because we had each other and that was enough. Greg and I got married in 1987. His childhood was quite like mine, except he had lots of family members nearby as he grew up, whereas my relatives were all out of town. After Casey was born in 1996, I stopped working off the farm and started working for Porterdale in the farm office.

Casey: My earliest memories were made right at the main farm in Adams Center. I can remember feeding my barn kitties and running out to visit my dad in the barn once school was out. Later, we moved about 5 miles away to a house with space to raise heifers and our 4-H project jerseys, which is where I spent most of my childhood.

What has it been like raising a child as a working (farming) parent?

Lisa: It was complicated until I began to work for the farm! If I could go back and do it again, I would stay home as a full-time Mom with our sons, David, and Jamie, and not work off the farm. Working for the farm after Casey was born was perfect timing and I am so blessed that it worked out that way. When Casey was little, the farm office was in my in-law’s home.  My father-in-law was partially retired by then, so I took her to work with me and Grampa would play with her while I worked! When any of the kids were sick and I couldn’t come to work, not only did my “boss” (my mother-in-law) let me have the day off, but she also asked how the kids were feeling, made us chicken soup, went the pharmacy for us or brought ginger ale and crackers if anyone had a stomach bug. I could usually stay home when the kids were sick, off from school, or to volunteer at school or go on a school field trip. If I had to work when the kids were off school, they could come with me to Gramma’s. My mother-in-law was an excellent teacher and I loved learning the ins and outs of farm books from her.  We worked together for 16 years, and I cherished every moment of it. Mom retired in 2013 and passed away in 2014. I still miss her every day.

Casey: Exhausting! And so incredibly rewarding. I’ve always been a morning person, so the early mornings have only gotten better with sleepy little smiles to wake up to.

Lisa, you mentioned that you like to bake! What’s your favorite family recipe and why?

Lisa: We have a few! First is homemade pizza. We have pizza every Friday night if it is possible. My wonderful mother-in-law started the tradition and when Greg proposed to me, it was conditional, “If we can have pizza every Friday night, will you marry me?” The next is “Toxic Chocolate Cake,” which has been a favorite and made into “Death by Chocolate,” another family birthday favorite. Last is what we call “Poor Man’s Pie,” which is a fruit cobbler.  We throw in whatever fruit is in season and bake it on the grill.  It is our go-to dessert because we always have the ingredients on hand, and it is so easy to make.

Casey, what are some of your hobbies?

Casey: I generally say my hobbies include anything cow related! We have brought a little string of jerseys to the Jefferson County Fair for as long as I can remember, and now I get to share that tradition with my own children. This past year, between my nieces and nephews and cousins, we had eight kids and calves to care for. I think I had more fun than all of them combined!

What has been your greatest adventure as a mother while being a dairy farmer?

Lisa: Surviving county fair with three kids, every year since 1998!  Lots of kids, calves, dirt, manure, sleeping bags, crock pot meals, tears, smiles, friends, lack of sleep, laundry, preparation, winning, losing, ribbons, band aids, etc. It is so much work and so much fun,. We are now doing it with our grandchildren and great nephews. We say it is like a very dirty week of summer camp for families with all our best friends.

Casey: Raising a little baby with a tween at home has been an adventure! We are so blessed to have a girl who loves her baby brother. The breadth of problems we deal with cracks me up some days, from dirty diapers to sassy girls at school, having the right stuffed cow at bedtime to the right calf for showmanship. I am learning and growing each day as we navigate these challenges together!

What is your favorite part about being a mother?

Lisa: To Love and be loved. Your baby loves you, with perfect love, just because you are there caring for them and caring about them, without judgement. In turn, we love our children because they are our children, without judgement, no matter what.  It is the perfect picture of how God loves us, and we endeavor to love Him: perfectly, and without judgement, no matter what.

Casey: My favorite part has always been seeing the start of a new life and being able to watch it mature and grow. That has easily become my favorite part of being a mother as well! Each week the kids are learning and growing so much, and I have a front row seat to it all!

What is your favorite family tradition?

Lisa: My favorite family tradition is Christmas Eve. My dear mother-in-law started the tradition of inviting our church family to our barn, a stable, on Christmas Eve after our evening church service to eat angel food cake, drink hot chocolate, and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. We don’t sing anymore, but we do have corn chowder, homemade rolls, go to church together, and meet at the barn afterward with our family and church family. Now, we are meeting in our maternity barn.  There are always calves there and sometimes a calf is born when we are there together.  My mother-in-law said that legend was that at midnight the animals speak.  We have never stayed that late though because there is always last-minute wrapping to do and chores in the morning. Every spring, we also hike to a waterfall on our farm and dunk our heads in the freezing cold water and declare that it’s not really spring for us until we do that!

Casey: My mother always made holidays extra special for us, from scavenger hunts on Valentines Day to hot dogs and hamburgers on the 4th of July with the farm employees, and Christmas Eve at the farm. It’s hard to just choose one favorite tradition! We always had something a little extra special to look forward to, and now it’s just so sweet to see her do the same for her grandchildren. We are so lucky to have her!

Lisa, tell us more about your involvement with Operation Christmas Child and the Good News Club? How did you get involved and why are those initiatives important to you?

Lisa: Operation Christmas Child is an outreach of Samaritan’s Purse. I became acquainted with it through a local friend, who is now our regional coordinator.  Over the years, our kids have been instrumental in helping shop, pack and carry boxes, and still are. Our 4-H club used to put together boxes. Now, I put together boxes with our grandkids and facilitate the collection of boxes from our church. The boxes provide children with basic school supplies, hygiene items, and a few small toys. It is amazing the difference that a shoe box of simple gifts and a message of hope and faith can make. When so little can give so much, it is a wonderful investment of our time, energy, and dollars, each of which can be in short supply on a farm at times. We make a point to share with those in more need than we are.

Good News Club is an after-school Bible club that is hosted in local elementary schools.  I started volunteering in 2005 when Casey was in 4^th grade and have been participating ever since. We host multi-week sessions in the spring and fall. Now, Casey is 28, and a mom herself. Many children who come to Good News Club do not have the opportunity to go to church, Sunday school, or Vacation Bible School.  Good News Club brings that opportunity to the children at their school building where they are familiar and comfortable. Now that our children are out of school and grown, I enjoy the opportunity to get to know young children from families in our community!

Meet Elizabeth Cashell of Cashell’s Cattle Care

Did you grow up in a farm family as well? If so, where? How long have you been part of Cashell’s Cattle Care?

I grew up in Centre County, Pa. with my three siblings, just outside of State College, in a rural community where we raised show heifers and a few hogs.  My dad, Dr. Bob Cloninger, is a large animal veterinarian in the area, and used his connections and clients to allow us to house our milk cows at their facilities. I attended Penn State University, majoring in Animal Science, with a science option and dreams of conducting life-changing research to help the human population. Following PSU, I attended Washington State University, where I created a rodent mouse model that mimicked miscarriages to complete a Master of Science degree in Animal Sciences.  I realized how truly hard those roles in academia are, always fighting for funding, so I chose to join industry instead of continuing education. I worked for Genex Cooperative for five years in Ithaca, N.Y., where I managed the production laboratory to create over four million units of conventional semen annually. When I moved back to Pennsylvania, Ben had been assigned to a territory as a nutritionist in the northern tier of Pennsylvania. We grew to love the dairy industry in this region and purchased an old horse farm, where we remodeled it for heifers and began raising show heifers for the surrounding area. We both grew up showing cattle, so it seemed like a natural business plan for us. Seven years ago, we purchased a dairy that has allowed us to manage a live calf program, in conjunction with the boarded heifers. Cashell’s Cattle Care is just Ben, me, and our three kids, Brynn, Easton, and Rhett. We have some great friends and neighbors that have become family to us, that help us achieve our goals.

What is your favorite way to decompress after a long day?

Listening to our kids telling us about their plans during dinner. As of yesterday, they’re starting a roadside stand.  They’re going to sell vegetables and flowers (they love gardening and canning from the garden). The kiddos have big dreams and goals and aren’t afraid to work alongside Ben and me to accomplish them.

What do you catch yourself doing or saying that reminds you of your mom?

I catch myself sitting with one kid here and there while they eat. I always remember my mom not wanting anyone to eat alone, so as our schedules become hectic and jumbled, I try to remember to slow down and enjoy the 10 minutes while they tell you about their latest idea or what they did at school.

What is your favorite part about being a mother? 

Watching the “ah-ha!” moments.  Be it building a Lego set, or finding a hose that will properly reach the wash rack.  Being able to give the kids the tools they need to succeed is absolutely my favorite part.

We hear you have a couple soccer players in the family. What three items do you always have on hand as a soccer mom?

Snacks, blankets, and extra layers since we live in the northern tier of Pennsylvania. Brynn, and Easton both are active in sports, but you can get snow, sun, and rain, all in an hour game.  And Rhett is just along for the snacks, so you’ll be at the concession stand all day with him!

What is it like raising a child as a working (farming) parent?

It is hectic, as parenting for any parent is. But the kids ALWAYS come first. We’ve had our fair share of medical emergencies with our kids, but it has been a blessing that I “only” work on our farms. I have the flexibility to take care of the kids. Farm work can wait until the middle of the night, but the kids can’t.

You’ve told us you’re a coach for Dairy Quiz Bowl. For those of us outside the 4-H world, can you explain what that is and how you became a coach?

I was born into it, honestly.  Dr. Bob (my dad) is quite a well-known coach for the state of Pennsylvania, including teams that my siblings and I were a part of. We spent most summers traveling to the national Holstein convention as a family, something I have been able to share with my own kids now! I help kids in our county learn about the dairy industry and the Holstein cow, in preparation for the Pennsylvania Holstein Convention, held in February every year. At the convention, the kids can compete as a team of four or individually to showcase their knowledge of the industry. This year, two junior members from Bradford County will be representing Pennsylvania at the national contest in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the dairy jeopardy contest.

Meet Crystal Stambaugh Edwards of Pheasant Echos Farm

Did you grow up in a farm family as well? If so, where? How long have you been part of the Pheasant Echos Farm?

We moved to what is now Pheasant Echos when I was 13. Prior to that, we had rented neighboring farms and raised heifers for others. My dad is a first-generation dairy farmer. I knew early on that I would probably always have the desire to be involved with cows in some capacity or other. I had different jobs off the farm being a vet assistant but ultimately ended up coming back full time when I was 20. Since then, I have overseen herd management including the daily milking’s.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Probably our annual Outer Banks trip. We’ve been going since I was pregnant with Blaine. We rent a big house and invite other families along, usually being outnumbered by the children! It’s chaotic but I love it! Another would be Christmas Day milking. It’s usually all my siblings in there helping to get it done and now that my boys and nieces are grown, they chip in and help also.

You mentioned that your family loves the annual beach trip to the Outer Banks. What are your three beach day must-haves?
Three beach must-haves are have a low beach chair, cold beverages, and of course, to have a good time with good company!

What is it like raising children as a working (farming) parent?

Raising kids while being a full-time farmer isn’t always easy. There was some major mom guilt when my boys were babies. I felt like I should always have been with them, but that just wasn’t the reality. I tried the whole pack-n-play in the parlor or stroller, but found it was extremely difficult to focus and get my work done. And, my babies just weren’t happy out there. As they got older and mobile, I had an entirely different worry about their safety around equipment and animals. At 14 and 16 now though, I’m loving having them work alongside me in some other area on the farm. They both say that they would like to return to the farm after graduation. My guess would be that it wouldn’t necessarily involve the dairy but more the crop/fertilizer business. But that’s fine with me as long as they are happy!

What surprised you most about motherhood?

The most surprising thing about motherhood for me has been how much I have thoroughly enjoyed every age and stage of watching my boys grow up. You think you’ll miss the newborn, and the inquisitive toddler, but watching them grow into young men and being able to have good conversations with them has been incredible. I also have a young driver now and while that brings about a whole new set of worries, it also does my heart good to know that he’s maturing with a pretty good head on his shoulders.

The kids are away for the weekend. How would you spend your child-free time?

Kidless weekends are usually spent grabbing lunch with friends, staying a little later at the barn in the evening rather than hurrying home to get dinner out, or SLEEPING! Never enough of that in my life!

What is the greatest piece of parenting advice you’ve either received or would like to share?

As far as good parenting advice goes, I’d have to say just trust yourself to figure out the whole parenthood thing. Every single person does it differently and there really is no right or wrong way! And I promise, even on the days when it seems like maybe the kids weren’t your top priority as they should be, they’ll still love you!

Earth Day is a great time to remind ourselves of the importance of conserving our natural resources. For many dairy farmers, conservation is a key element of overall farm sustainability. They rely on the land and water to farm and care for their animals. Stewardship, then, is good for both the environment and for the farm.

Helping the Planet by Protecting the Soil

Healthy soil isn’t just good for growing crops—it’s also great for the environment, for many reasons. People are really interested in how soil can soak up carbon and help fight climate change.

Some on-farm practices used by farmers to protect soil health, like planting cover crops or no-till, are designed to make soil richer in organic matter and make it more porous. This means less water runs off when it rains, and there’s less soil washing away.

That’s good news! Less erosion means improved yield from the fields—and more and higher quality feed for cows.

Keeping the Earth Covered

Farmers have lots of options for improving soil health. Instead of intensively tilling the land and leaving the soil bare, many farmers try to disturb the soil as little as possible during the planting season. They might also keep their fields covered with plants all year long. When not growing crops that are used to feed cows, farmers may grow a mixture of plants called cover crops.

These methods help in several ways. First off, soil that’s covered with plants and organic material is less likely to be washed or blown away by wind and rain. The roots of plants go deep into the soil, which loosens it up and makes it better at holding onto water and nutrients instead of letting them wash away. Plus, having lots of different plants around helps all sorts of tiny creatures live in the soil, like fungi, worms, and bugs. A healthy soil ecosystem can even attract insects that eat the pests that would normally damage crops. By taking care of their soil, dairy farmers are helping to keep nature in balance.

A Sustainable Farm is an Efficient Farm

Farmers know that for a dairy farm to keep going strong, it has to be financially stable. So, they do things that are good for the environment and have economic benefits.

When farmers take care of their soil, it’s a win-win. For instance, keeping the soil healthy means that when there’s a big storm, more soil and important nutrients stay put instead of washing away. Healthy soil also means more high-quality feed for cows, so the farmer doesn’t have to spend as much money buying extra feed. And because the soil holds onto its nutrients well, the farmer doesn’t have to spend as much on fertilizer that has to be shipped from far away. It’s good for the planet and good for the farm’s bottom line.

Turning Waste into Resources

Courtesy: Dairy Management Inc.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that food waste comprises 22% of what’s in our landfills. When landfilled, food waste is converted to methane—a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Some dairy farms are turning that “trash” to “treasure.” For example, some leftover food from stores and processors can be fed to cows. Other farms add food waste to their on-site anaerobic digesters, which turn food waste into energy and fertilizer for crops.

In conclusion, dairy farmers stand as environmental stewards, recognizing the vital importance of conserving natural resources on their farms. Their commitment to stewardship not only benefits the environment but also ensures the sustainability of their operations. By implementing practices such as soil conservation and repurposing food waste, they demonstrate their dedication to both the planet and their livelihoods.

As we celebrate Earth Day, let us acknowledge and appreciate the integral role dairy farmers play in nurturing our environment and fostering a sustainable future for all.

The children’s healthy breakfast habits were reinforced through point-earning activities, logged daily by the students in the Fuel Up program’s online portal, adding an element of fun and individual competition. Making healthy choices contributed to their chances of winning individual prizes. The added incentive of prizes and experiences provided by the Fuel Up program motivated students to actively engage in the breakfast program, creating a positive ripple effect on the entire school community. This approach made breakfast a daily highlight and instilled a sense of responsibility for one’s health from a young age.

As we reflect on the success of National School Breakfast Week, the message is clear – the Fuel Up program is a game-changer in promoting healthy habits among students. The combination of community participation, nutritional awareness, and the thrill of winning prizes has turned breakfast into an exciting daily ritual at many schools.

Learn more about the Fuel Up program and how it can transform breakfast routines in your school. Let’s continue to fuel students for success and well-being!

In the ever-evolving landscape of school nutrition, having a dependable partner can make all the difference. Count on American Dairy Association North East as an invaluable resource. Our Youth Programs team offers an array of resources to foster student health and wellness and an initiative-taking stance in assisting schools during times of adversity. Here’s why American Dairy Association North East is not just a resource but a dynamic ally for schools seeking to elevate their nutrition programs.

Proactive Support in Times of Adversity

One of our defining features is our proactive approach to supporting schools in the face of unforeseen challenges. During the recent milk carton shortage, we recognized the potential impact a milk carton shortage would have on school meal programs. Our Youth Programs team created a tailored toolkit helping school districts to find ways to continue uninterrupted milk service for all students.

Nutrition Connection: A Hub for Empowering Schools

At the core of our support system is Nutrition Connection, a dynamic online platform dedicated to providing schools with the tools they need to increase meal participation. This user-friendly hub serves as a comprehensive resource center, catering to the diverse needs of nutrition professionals.

Whether you are seeking innovative menu ideas, promotional materials to engage students, or evidence-based resources to boost nutritional awareness, Nutrition Connection has it all. The platform’s comprehensive approach empowers schools to not only meet but exceed their health and wellness goals.

Program Tools and Toolkits Tailored for Success

We are committed to empowering schools with effective marketing strategies. Our team understands the importance of promoting the benefits of dairy and ensuring that students are engaged and excited about their school meals. We offer a range of resources, accessible here, to help your students. There’s information on everything from promoting the benefits of dairy and resource guides for Cheese and Yogurt to downloadable toolkits on our Hot Chocolate Milk or MooLatte programs that support school nutrition directors in keeping students engaged and excited about school meals. The American Dairy Association North East ensures school success by providing ongoing resources for nutrition programs. Reach out for support at schools@milk4u.org.

A nutritious school breakfast is key to a student’s success, impacting academic performance and overall well-being. During National School Breakfast Week, it’s vital to acknowledge the significance of a healthy morning meal for students. Research shows that school breakfast programs boost test scores, improve attendance, reduce disciplinary issues, and address food insecurity among students, fostering a comprehensive approach to education.

Equip your program with the necessary tools, from classroom delivery carts to insulated merchandisers or mobile kiosks. Our specialists have the vendor resources to help you roll out an effective and efficient program.

The School Breakfast Program plays a vital role in addressing childhood hunger and promoting children’s health, learning, and development. New York dairy farmers, through American Dairy Association North East, stand in solidarity with schools striving to enhance and expand nutritional support for children. For more information on available programs and resources, reach out to schools@milk4u.org or visit AmericanDairy.com. Access our marketing toolkits, with recipe ideas and more, to help your students stay active and healthy. It’s time to elevate your school breakfast program and empower students for success.

Looking for some culinary inspiration for the upcoming Solar Eclipse?

Our friends over at Savor Recipes have created four celestial inspired recipes to help make the day even more memorable.

Whether you are looking for something simple and sweet like the Eclipse Cookies, something savory like the Out of this World Charcuterie Board, something vibrant like the Galaxy Cake Pops, or something just fun and indulgent like the Galaxy Cotton Candy Milkshake, these recipes are guaranteed to put a smile on any space enthusiast’s face!

The best part?

Milk, butter, cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, and ice cream are all featured ingredients in these recipes!

The moon might not actually be made out of cheese, but you can enjoy these dairy forward recipes while watching it pass in front of the sun in the upcoming eclipse.

Galaxy Cake Pops

Eclipse Cookies

Out of This World Charcuterie

Galaxy Cotton Candy Milkshake

Smoothie season is upon us! There is nothing quite like a cold, refreshing smoothie to help keep you cool during those long, hot summer days. Smoothies are simple and easy to whip up, and they can be packed with nutrition when done right. If you are looking to ramp up your smoothie game this summer, here are three tips that will help take your next smoothie to the next level:

1. Mix Up the Base

Real milk and Greek yogurt are the staples in smoothie-making 101. Since dairy has a significant amount of protein as well as a powerful package of thirteen essential nutrients, it’s a no brainer to use real dairy products as your smoothie base.

Use Real Dairy as the base of the smoothie.

• Milk has a significant amount of protein as well as a powerful package of 13 essential nutrients including calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin D, Vitamin A, and several B vitamins. Add more or less milk depending on how thick you like your smoothie.
• Yogurt is another great source of protein and 9 essential nutrients. Most yogurts are made with live and active cultures, and some also provide probiotics – or good bacteria – that may help maintain digestive health, boost immunity, fight infection and protect against diseases.

Here are a few alternatives that can also be used for a base:

• Kefir is a fermented milk drink that has a tart, tangy taste. Strained kefir is also available in spoonable cups and has a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt with up to twice as many probiotics. Check out this Kefir smoothie by Savor Recipes.
• Icelandic style yogurt (aka Skyr) is a strained yogurt that’s creamier and thicker than Greek yogurt. So thick in fact that it takes almost four cups of milk to make just one cup of Icelandic yogurt, which is why it contains more protein than regular yogurts. Check out this Skyr smoothie by Siggi’s.
• Cottage Cheese is a fresh cheese known for its small curds and slightly savory and creamy taste. High in protein, cottage cheese adds a velvety, creamy texture to smoothies when blended. Check out this Cottage Cheese smoothie by Savor Recipes.

2. Go Tropical

While strawberry-banana smoothies or chocolate-peanut butter smoothies are definitely crowd pleasers, you can really shake things up by adding in more unique, tropical fruits. You can find many of these in the frozen section year-round, if they are not available fresh in the produce department. Whether fresh, frozen, canned, or dried, fruit contributes essential nutrients to your smoothies like potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folate. Frozen fruit helps add that thick, frothiness to your smoothie.

Try adding some of these tropical fruits in your next smoothie:

• Guava
• Papaya
• Kiwi
• Mango 
• Pineapple

3. Texturize It

Try adding just one or two of these nutritional boosters to your next smoothie to ramp up the texture and nutrition. These add-ins can boost the protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to your smoothie, as well as add more flavor and texture!

• Flaxseed
• Chia seed
• Hemp seed
• Rolled Oats
• Nut butters

Smoothies are an easy, portable and nutritious beverage any time of day. While the options truly are endless when deciding what ingredients to add into your next smoothie, keep these three tips in mind to ensure you are getting a well-balanced beverage that’s packed with nutrition.

Click here for more tips on how to Build a Better Smoothie.

Evelyn Kersmanc was so nervous she was in disbelief when she heard her name announced as the newly titled 2024-2025 New York State Dairy Ambassador. “As soon as I heard my county, I immediately looked back to my parents, and I saw them jump up and I was overcome with so much joy!” says the dairy promoter representing Otsego County.

During a contest livestreamed on February 24 from Syracuse, New York, Evelyn was officially named as the State Dairy Ambassador for New York. Talk about a proud moment for Otsego County!

Evelyn says it’s a role she’s prepared for her entire life. “This has been a goal of mine since I was a little kid.” Evelyn, who grew up on a dairy farm, says she was about 10 years old when she convinced her parents to let her buy a show calf.  “And I bought the first-ever Jersey that’s been on our farm and I did my first show. I saw the dairy ambassadors around me and I was like, ‘I want to do that’.” Within a day, Evelyn says she had the paperwork and became a little ambassador. She’s been promoting dairy ever since.

As the Otsego County Dairy Ambassador over the past year, Evelyn says she got to do a lot of amazing activities and enjoyed getting to speak with people of all ages. “Some of my favorites were talking with young children in my school. And then also speaking with the elderly. I worked at the Otsego County Senior Picnic and got to talk about the benefits of calcium for the elderly.”

In her new role as New York State Dairy Ambassador, Evelyn will be the voice of the 3,200 dairy farmers in New York State. She’s like the superhero of the dairy world, spreading awareness about the goodness of milk and dairy products.

“I hope to accomplish a lot and I really enjoy promoting the dairy industry and talking about the climate, and how good the dairy industry is for our environment, and I look forward to being at the State Fair and being part of the Butter Sculpture unveiling and Dairy Day,” Evelyn says.

Olivia Maslyn has been on a dairy farm all her life. Her family raises heifers and calves for Hemdale Farms, an all-robotic dairy in Seneca Castle, New York, which was featured in this episode of our “This American Dairy Farmer” series. Olivia sees her new role on the Ambassador Team as a tremendous opportunity, not only to promote dairy, but also as a stepping stone for her future. “I actually have a strong interest in photography and videography, mostly taking pictures of landscapes and animals, and I’m hoping that maybe being a dairy ambassador will help me in that pursuit.”

Justin Mesch lives in Collins, New York, on his family’s dairy farm. “I’ve grown up with my four sisters doing barn chores. Currently, I’m usually the one milking the cows and I can help out on the fields with the crops.” Justin says it’s great experience to have because “it helps teach you to work hard and to be dedicated to your work.” Justin plans to apply that attitude in his role on the Ambassador Team.

So there you have it! Evelyn Kersmanc, your new State Dairy Ambassador, is ready to take on the world (or at least New York State) one glass of milk at a time. Let’s raise a toast to her and the State Dairy Ambassador team, and all the amazing work they’ll do in promoting our favorite dairy delights!

It’s almost time for the annual ritual of moving clocks forward one hour. For many people, daylight saving time is as much disliked as it is mispronounced.

Remember it’s “saving,” and not “savings” with an extra “s” tacked on.

We’re not stockpiling sunshine here; we’re just shifting the clock forward one hour. So, next time you’re shooting the breeze about it, drop that extra “s” like a hot potato!

Learn more about some of the benefits and negatives of daylight saving time in this quick educational video from National Geographic.

Now we know how we’re affected by the time shift. But, what about dairy farmers and their cows?

Cows dig daylight saving because they need 14 to 16 hours of light each day. It’s what they’re used to in summertime. Dairy farmers go out of their way to make sure there is no disruption for cows as clocks spring forward when daylight saving time returns Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m.

Third-generation dairy farmer Natasha Stein Sutherland says cows don’t like change. At Stein Farms in Le Roy, New York, Natasha tries to keep things as consistent as possible for cows because they’re creatures of habit and don’t like change. Even an hour can throw cows out of their comfort zone. “The first few days, we don’t change the cows’ clock. We adjust the timing of what we do on the farm,” says Natasha.

Milking Time, Making it Routine

It’s all the same thing. It doesn’t seem THAT long… unless you’re a cow.

To them, it’s everything. Cows like routine.

To keep cows in routine, Natasha says the farm tries to gradually change the milking and feeding times for its 900 cows. “Otherwise, you’re asking a cow to be milked an hour after she’s traditionally getting milked. She’s ready to go get milked and looking at you like, ‘why aren’t you milking me now?’” So instead of an hour in a single day, Natasha says the cows’ schedule is altered in 30-minute increments over two days.

Brightening a Cow’s Day

To help cows through the dull days of winter and get them through to daylight saving time and the shift in daylight, Stein Farms’ cows spend more time under electric lighting. Their barn is lit by LED lights and automated in terms of sunrise and sunset. “The whole lighting system literally simulates the sunrises still, just at around 5 a.m. for the cows.” Keeping cows in a comfortable summertime routine. Natasha says the lights are programmed to turn off around 11 pm, giving cows the six hours of complete darkness that they are used to.

Lighting the Way Toward Energy Effeciency

While the simulated daylight makes cows comfortable, the LEDs make Stein Farms more energy efficient. Natasha says through a grant project, Stein Farms has updated half of its lighting fixtures to LED lighting. “They’re going to cut our energy cost by 20% a year, so we’re conserving more energy, and we plan to continue to make more environmentally friendly choices in lighting,” she says.

Natasha tends to her dairy herd while also protecting the environment. Learn more about her through This American Dairy Farmer. She was featured in the episode, “Happiest Person I Know.”

Before you know it, it’ll be time to mess with the clocks yet again. So let’s stay present and focus on the ‘here and now’ and enjoy the march toward spring and summer solstice.