DOCSLIB.ORG

In This Issue Farm Dream Becomes Reality for Farmer from Mexico

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
In This Issue Farm Dream Becomes Reality for Farmer from Mexico Volume 21 · Number 3 The Bi-Monthly Periodical of the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service May - June 2013 Farm Dream Becomes Reality for Farmer from Mexico By Joe Pedretti Rodrigo Cala was born in In 2005, following their Mexico City. His father was dreams to own a farm, Ro- a teacher and his mother drigo joined the Minnesota was a farmer. “We grew up Food Association for sup- on a small farm. Our home port. There he participated In This Issue was in one place and the and successfully completed farm was a little farther the Big River Farms Immi- News From MOSES....................2 away. We raised spinach, grant & Minority Farmer chard, broccoli and Mexican Training Program, Organic Inside Organics............................3 herbs. We also raised pigs. I Farming Training and GAP Crop insurance changes really learned farming from training over the course of my mother,” explained Ro- three years. A major com- Determination Yields Acres........4 drigo. ponent of the training pro- Transitioning to organic cropland gram is getting started by In 2001, Rodrigo’s younger Rodrigo Cala heads into the fields renting land and working Poetry Slam.................................5 brother, Juan Carlos, made at Cala Farms Origenes with experienced farmers. Two selections the economic decision to By the time Rodrigo was move to the United States for work. He found finished with the program, he was raising pep- MOSES Field Days & Events.......6 Several choices work at a factory in Stillwater, Minn., where pers, tomatoes, chard, spinach, Mexican herbs they make plastic milk bottles. Juan Carlos and summer squash–all organically, which was Proof Positive...............................7 talked Rodrigo into moving to Minnesota in a new concept to him. “In Mexico, we did con- Raising dairy steers 2004, to work at a horseshoe manufacturing ventional farming, but I became really fasci- plant in Forest Lake, Minn. “At the time, the nated with organic farming, and that is a main PuraMaize Corn..........................9 factory job was good work,” noted Rodrigo. “My focus of the MFA program,” noted Rodrigo. He New tool for organic growers brother and I tried to find herbs for Mexican mainly sold to two accounts–Chipotle Restau- dishes, but they were very hard to find in Min- rant and a community supported agriculture Ask a MOSES Specialist!...........10 nesota, and the quality was very bad when we (CSA) program serving the Minneapolis/St. Rental pasture, planting stock did find them in the grocery stores. This really Paul market. During this time he maintained New Farmer Corner...................12 got us thinking about getting a place to raise his full-time job at the horseshoe factory. Incubator farms our own produce.” To Farm Dream on page 8 Rural Women’s Project..............15 Recent award News Briefs................................16 Estate Planning Classifieds..................................18 Plan Now to Preserve Farm for Next Generation By Karen Thimke, University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, Wisconsin Organic Grain Report..............19 Note: The following is intended as an overview lifestyle and diet), religion or a sense of land Calendar....................................20 of some options that may help when creating stewardship. Because the benefits gained an estate plan. This is not legal advice. Every from sustainable farming, especially organic situation is unique, and these options may not farming, can be lost if the land is used for be available in your state or for your farm. another purpose, farmers may wish to take You should consult an attorney in your state steps to maintain the farm’s organic status. for legal advice on whether any of these options may be appropriate or legal in your unique Problems Caused by Incomplete Estate situation. Planning Farmers wishing to pass their organic or What obstacles do organic and sustainable sustainable farms to future generations Eau Claire,WI PERMIT # 203 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. PAID POSTAGE farmers face if they want to preserve their should plan ahead. A well-designed and farm for the next generation? implemented estate plan can ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out upon his What methods are available for an organic or her death. Failure to make a solid estate and sustainable farmer to transfer the farm at plan can lead to property division, sale of the the farmer’s death in a manner that continues farm, and family strife, all of which will pose his or her farming practices? a serious threat to the organic or sustainable survival of the land. What are the benefits and drawbacks of these various methods? While the law provides methods for an estate to transfer to surviving family members if a This article will attempt to answer these farmer dies without an estate plan, this may questions and give an overview of the best not happen as the farmer expected. In some ways to preserve an organic or sustainable circumstances, leaving everything to state farm for future generations of farmers. law may result in a distribution unpleasing to all, and to property going where the farmer Farmers may choose organic and other never intended. This can often be a problem if sustainable farming methods for a variety of the farm is divided between multiple children. reasons, including environmental benefits, One child may want to farm the property but PO Box 339 Box PO WI 54767 Spring Valley, personal motives (such as a healthier To Estate on page 14 ORGANIC News From MOSES Without a calendar at hand, it’s been darn In other MOSES news, we’d like to introduce ROADCASTER tough this year to figure out what month it is. two new members of the MOSES Board of Di- B Normally my neighbors would be in the fields rectors: David Abazs and Nick Olson. Volume 21 · Number 3 about now, getting ready to seed. This year we all just have to shrug, as there is still a few David is from Finland, Minn., where he and his May · June 2013 inches of snow covering much of the ground. family own the solar- and wind-powered Round Editor It’s happened before, and will happen again. River Farm, a 50-share CSA. David also man- Jody Padgham—[email protected] Perhaps this is why we all like farming–it is ages Wolf Ridge Organic School Farm, which never boring or predictable! supplies produce for Wolf Ridge Environmen- Organic Broadcaster Mission tal Learning Center. Nick is an organizer with The Organic Broadcaster provides farmer One thing that is predictable is the outpouring Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings -focused, current news and information of enthusiasm around the MOSES Organic program, and with his family owns and operates that assists farmers in successful organic Farming Conference. For 2-1/2 days at the Prairie Drifter Farm, a certified organic diversi- production and offers relevant updates end of February 3,349 folks from 42 states fied vegetable farm in Litchfield, Minn. about the organic community. and 5 countries poured into La Crosse, Wis. to listen to 130 speakers give 70 workshops David and Nick recently got their MOSES feet Advertising/Classifieds and 3 keynote presentations. Over 14,500 or- wet at a 2-day board meeting in mid April. With Support the Organic Broadcaster and reach ganic meals were served, and 85 volunteers their acceptance of three-year terms, the board over 10,100 readers through three advertis- made sure things went smoothly. Scholarships is growing from nine to ten members. We are ing options: Support the Broadcaster through a busi- were given to 188 attendees, (a value of over grateful for their, and the entire board’s commit- ness Patronage Package. Contact Luisa at $31,000), and 169 exhibit booths showcased ment to the organization. 715-778-5775 or [email protected] for large quantities of information and resources. more information. Vast amounts of fun, learning, exchange and It is also time to say goodbye and express great Display Advertisers: Rates and size op- good eating were enjoyed. appreciation to Atina Diffley for her six years of tions are available at www.mosesorganic. service to MOSES as a board member. Atina’s org/ad_rates.html or by contacting the of- This twitter comment from a participant sums it wisdom and willingness to work hard and take fice at [email protected]. Dis- all up: “My brain overfloweth with information. her responsibility seriously did much to move the counts for multiple issue placements. My cheeks are sore from smiling. Thank you organization forward. We wish her the best with Classified Advertising: 25 words for MOSES for another great conference.” the next chapter of her life, and congratulate her $12.00, 15 more words for an additional for well deserved success with her recent book, $6.00. Submit ads online by going to www. Be sure to save February 27, 28 and March Turn Here, Sweet Corn. mosesorganic.org/ad_rates.html and click- 1, 2014 to help us celebrate the 25th Organic ing on “online form.” Or, mail in the clas- Farming Conference! Good luck with your planting, sified ad form found on page 18 with your Jody Padgham, Organic Broadcaster Editor payment. What is MOSES Worth to You? Events/Calendar Items MOSES will publicize events that are of What if you woke up Monday morning and day morning, doing what we do best: edu- interest or relevance to our community. To discovered MOSES was gone? Would you cating, inspiring and empowering the farm- submit an event, go online to www.moses- organic.org/eventform.php or e-mail a notice mourn the end of a quarter century of ex- ers that bring us the best food in the world. to [email protected].
Load more

Recommended publications
  • What Is DAIRY? COW’S HEALTHY DIET Dairy Cows Are Fascinating Animals
    Dairy What is DAIRY? COW’S HEALTHY DIET Dairy cows are fascinating animals. teeth. Calcium also helps our muscles meal and vitamins/minerals. Dairy cows They turn grass and grains into milk. and nerves work properly, and helps also drink 30-50 gallons of water each Heifers are female dairy cattle that have blood clot. Milk products also provide day. That is about an entire bathtub Vitamins/Minerals not given birth to a calf. Once a heifer us with carbohydrates, protein and full of water. With all that eating and 2 pounds gives birth, it is called a cow. All female Vitamin D. You should have 3 servings drinking, are cows stuffed? The simple dairy cows must have a calf to produce of nonfat or low-fat milk and milk answer is ‘no’. They are eating to meet Ground Corn Soybean Meal milk. The gestation (pregnancy) period products each day. One serving of their energy (calorie) needs—they 8 pounds 5 pounds for cows is nine months. Newborn dairy is equal to 1 cup of milk, yogurt do not overeat. Young animals that calves weigh about 80-100 pounds. or ice cream and 1 ½ -2 ounces of are actively growing have greater Hay Male dairy cattle are called bulls and do cheese. requirements for protein than older 20 pounds not produce milk. animals. Corn Silage A 1,500 pound dairy cow eats 100 65 pounds Milk provides your body with calcium, pounds of feed each day. This includes which is needed for healthy bones and corn silage, hay, ground corn, soybean Total: 100 pound per day DID YOU KNOW? National Milk Day Each year, U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainability and Dairy Farming Fact Sheet
    SUSTAINABILITY AND DAIRY FARMING FACT SHEET Striving to protect the natural resources (such as soil, water, and air) needed for current and future food production is not a new endeavor, although the present-day pressures on all of Earth’s resources have generated widespread interest in this important effort. The core aspects of sustainability have always been an integral part of dairy farmers’ personal values and daily on-farm practices. Understanding Sustainability What is sustainability? While there was some degree of discussion of sustainability in the 1970s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that a specific characterization for sustainability in agriculture was developed.1 The U.S. Government, in the 1990 Farm Bill, defined it as follows—a definition that was adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture2 (USDA) and many others: Sustainable Agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that over the long term will: • Satisfy human food and fiber needs; • Enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; • Make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; • Sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and • Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. Sustainable farms must meet all five elements of the USDA definition. For instance, a farm that stresses environmental quality while not being economically viable is not sustainable. Likewise, one that focuses on short-term profits without making the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources would not fit the definition.
    [Show full text]
  • Dairy Sheep a Publication of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service • 1-800-346-9140 •
    ATTRA Dairy Sheep A Publication of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service • 1-800-346-9140 • www.attra.ncat.org By Margo Hale and The sale of sheep milk or milk products is often more profitable than selling only lamb or wool. This Linda Coffey publication explores the dairy sheep business and helps producers decide whether it is a viable option NCAT Agriculture for their farms. Regulations governing the industry are discussed. Also addressed are production issues, Specialists animal health, stock selection, and nutrition issues surrounding dairy sheep. References and resources ©2006 NCAT follow the narrative. Contents Introduction ..................... 1 Getting Help .................... 2 Getting Started ............... 2 Labor ..............................2 Marketing ..................... 3 Processing ....................3 Regulations ..................4 Budgeting .................... 5 Production Notes ........... 6 Selecting Stock ...........6 Lacaune dairy sheep. Photo by Yves Berger, courtesy of University of Wisconsin Spooner Ag Research Center. Nutrition ....................... 7 Milking ...........................7 Introduction the time and effort to learn about product development and marketing. Production Records ..8 prospective dairy-sheep producer Health ............................ 8 faces many potential challenges. First Sheep exhibit a natural ability to efficiently Conclusion ......................10 Aof all, any dairy operation requires process forage into meat, milk, and wool. References .....................
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise of Dairy Farming
    The Rise of Dairy Farming Wheat was the earliest and most important cash crop for white settlers in Wisconsin. It required a small initial capital investment and was fairly easy to grow, allowing farmers to harvest two crops a year. The high rate of financial return made wheat an especially attractive crop for homesteaders during the middle of the 19th century. Wheat provided a way for new immigrants in Wisconsin to farm cheaply and to deliver a product that many people needed. From 1840 to 1880, Wisconsin was considered "America's breadbasket" because one-sixth of the wheat grown in the nation came from Wisconsin. The early success of wheat farming helped Wisconsin's agriculture develop more rapidly than it did in other states. Despite its appeal, wheat also had risks and disadvantages. It was hard on the soil, which it quickly depleted of nitrogen. Depending on the vagaries of the weather and insect infestation, yield could vary substantially from year to year. By the late 1850s, the price of wheat began to drop as Wisconsin yields and quality diminished and competition increased from farmers in Iowa and Minnesota. Disaster struck in the 1860s, when tiny insects known as chinch bugs began devouring Wisconsin wheat crops. To meet these challenges, farmers began experimenting with a variety of alternatives to wheat. Feed crops, rather than cash crops, were better suited to Wisconsin's soil and climate, and came to characterize the state's agriculture in the late nineteenth century. Charles Rockwell was one of the earliest cheese makers in Wisconsin, beginning production at Koshkonong, near Fort Atkinson in Jefferson County, in 1837.
    [Show full text]
  • The Environmental Impact of Dairy Production in the Eu
    'LVFODLPHU 7KHYLHZVVHWRXWDQGDQDO\VLVSUHVHQWHGDUHWKRVHRIWKHDXWKRUVDQGGRQRWQHFHVVDULO\UHSUHVHQWWKH YLHZVRIWKH&RPPLVVLRQLQJHQHUDORURIWKH(19,5210(17'* Final report for European Commission (DGXI ) Submitted by CEAS Consultants (Wye) Ltd Centre for European Agricultural Studies and The European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism Telephone: 01233 812181 Fax: 01233 813309 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DAIRY PRODUCTION IN THE EU E-mail: [email protected] CEAS 1779/BDB April 2000 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DAIRY PRODUCTION IN THE EU: PRACTICAL OPTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FINAL REPORT 2 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF DAIRY PRODUCTION IN THE EU Contents S1. Executive summary............................................................................................................................ iii 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Methodology................................................................................................................................. 1 1.3. Report structure ............................................................................................................................ 2 PART 1: DAIRY SYSTEM CLASSIFICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT....................... 3 2. A review of dairy production
    [Show full text]
  • Driving Sustainability in Dairy Farming from a TBL Perspective: Insights from a Case Study in the West Region of Santa Catarina, Brazil
    sustainability Article Driving Sustainability in Dairy Farming from a TBL Perspective: Insights from a Case Study in the West Region of Santa Catarina, Brazil Antônio Zanin 1,* , Cristian Baú Dal Magro 1 , Diones Kleinibing Bugalho 1 , Francieli Morlin 2 , Paulo Afonso 3 and Andrzej Sztando 4 1 Department of Social and Applied Sciences, Community University of the Region of Chapecó, Chapecó (SC) 89809-900, Brazil; [email protected] (C.B.D.M.); [email protected] (D.K.B.) 2 Department of Social and Applied Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis (SC) 88040-900, Brazil; [email protected] 3 Department of Production and Systems, Algoritmi Centre, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; [email protected] 4 Department of Spatial Economy and Self-Governed Ministration, Wrocław University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 19 May 2020; Accepted: 29 June 2020; Published: 28 July 2020 Abstract: All companies in agribusiness supply chains need to be aware of the best use of available resources, which demands an integrated assessment of environmental, economic and social aspects, i.e., the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). Such analysis allows us to get a more balanced and complete understanding of the real performance of companies, supply chains and industries. Companies in the upstream of agribusinesses supply chains present some limitations, but can contribute significantly to the overall sustainability of the entire value chain. The objective of this research was to understand the role of the drivers of sustainability in dairy farming from a TBL perspective, such as assistance to producers and the value chain, and the use of better technology and management practices.
    [Show full text]
  • Factors and Components Affecting Dairy Smallholder Farmers and the Local Value Chain— Kvemo Kartli As an Example
    sustainability Article Factors and Components Affecting Dairy Smallholder Farmers and the Local Value Chain— Kvemo Kartli as an Example Rami Al Sidawi 1,*, Teo Urushadze 2 and Angelika Ploeger 1 1 Specialized Partnership in Sustainable Food Systems and Food Sovereignty, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany; [email protected] 2 School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi 0159, Georgia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +49-055-42981621 Abstract: Smallholder farmers are the cornerstone of the livestock sector and an essential element in building and developing the local dairy value chain, critical for developing its local economy. In Georgia, and despite the efforts made since independence from the Soviet Union until now, farmers still face many problems that prevent them from participating effectively in developing the dairy value chain, especially heavy metal pollution that afflicts the study region. This research study refers to smallholder farmers’ viewpoints in the Kvemo Kartli region on the dairy production sector and the problems these farmers face. This study also investigates the effect of several factors (ethical factors, traditions, animal welfare, cultural factors, etc.) on the dairy value chain. The convergence model was used in the mixed-method approach’s triangular design as a methodology for this research study. As part of the social data, 140 farmers who produce and sell milk and cheese in the Kvemo Kartli region were interviewed. The results showed the influence of the ethical, cultural, and traditional factors in developing the value chain.
    [Show full text]
  • THE ETHICS of KEEPING FUR ANIMALS, the ESTONIAN CONTEXT David Arney and Peep Piirsalu
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE LATVIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. Section B, Vol. 71 (2017), No. 1/2 (706/707), pp. 78–80. DOI: 10.1515/prolas-2017-0013 Science life: Discussion THE ETHICS OF KEEPING FUR ANIMALS, THE ESTONIAN CONTEXT David Arney and Peep Piirsalu Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 46, Tartu, ESTONIA The discussion of the ethics of fur farming is currently important in Estonia, where the Estonian Parliament is due to make a judgement on the legality of farming animals for fur in the state. Al- though there is significant opposition among the local general population, and discussion in the popular and social media, there is little evidence of a coherent ethical reason why fur animals should not be farmed while we continue to permit the farming of other livestock animals. Ethical viewpoints of the rights and welfare of animals are presented here and these are contextualised with regard to fur farming and fur farming in Estonia in particular. Key words: ethics, fur farming, mink, chinchilla, blue fox. INTRODUCTION as human beings, the right not to be killed, the right not to be imprisoned. A detailed discussion of the concepts of ani- It first should be understood that there is no consensus in mal rights by the leading philosopher of this view (Regan, animal welfare science on the ethics or desirability of keep- 2001) and a refutation (Scroton, 2000) can be compared for ing of fur animals. The two sides of the argument for farm- those interested. At the more extreme end, this view pro- ing mink have been discussed by Vinke (2001) and Nimon hibits the use of animals for any purpose involving restrict- and Broom (1999), and foxes by Nimon and Broom (2001).
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practice 2004 Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practice
    Guide to good dairy farming practice 2004 Guide to good dairy farming practice A joint publication of the International Dairy Federation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations INTERNATIONAL DAIRY FEDERATION FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS Rome, January 2004 The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations or of the International Dairy Federation concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. ISBN 92-5-105094-5 All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to: Chief Publishing Management Service Information Division FAO Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to: [email protected] © FAO and IDF 2004 Contents Foreword v Acknowledgements vi Introduction 1 About this guide 2 Guiding objective for good dairy farming practice 2 How are the guidelines presented? 3 Good agricultural practices 5 1. Animal health 5 2. Milking hygiene 6 3. Animal feeding and water 6 4. Animal welfare 7 5. Environment 8 Fact sheets 9 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Dairy Farms and Agricultural Prosperity in Virginia, 1890-1915 Harold E
    University of Richmond UR Scholarship Repository Honors Theses Student Research Spring 1970 Dairy farms and agricultural prosperity in Virginia, 1890-1915 Harold E. Conover Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses Recommended Citation Conover, Harold E., "Dairy farms and agricultural prosperity in Virginia, 1890-1915" (1970). Honors Theses. Paper 452. This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Research at UR Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Theses by an authorized administrator of UR Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND LIBRARIES llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll 3 3082 01028 5350 c" .... o\Je..r DAIRY FARMS AND AGRICUL'IURAL PROSPERITY · IN VIRGINIA, 1890-1915 Enrold s. Conover Histor!'39'* May, i97n OUTLINE itral theme: The introduction and growth of a sound dairy industry from 1690 to 1915 ~elped restore Virginia &griculture to prosperityo Need for a dairy industry in Virginia A. Agricultural conditions in Virginia 1. Antebellum 2. >Post bellum B. Dairy farming and agricultural reform lo Dairy farms and the land .. a. Dairy farms and poor land b •. Virginia as a dairy region 2. Dairying and farm prosperity a. Profitability in comparison to staple crops b. market conditions for dairy products Introduction of the Virginia dairy industry A.,. Types of Virginia dairy_ operations 1. Whole milk sales a o Wholesale b'. Retail 2. Butte:r and cream trade a. Independent sales b. Cooperative creameries . 1. Early state encouragement 2. Creamery promoters 3. Government aid i. 3. Cheese-making B. Hindrances to the Virginia dairy industry 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Advances in Dairy Farming
    Advances in Dairy Farming Text Type: Informational Lexile Level: 1070L Mean Sentence Length 14.67 Mean Log Word Frequency 3.24 Word Count 792 California has been the nation’s top producing agricultural state for many years. Produce farms that grow fruits, vegetables and nuts ship their products all across the country. Successful dairy farms have also made California the top milk producing state in the nation. Advances in technology and the agricultural sciences helped make this achievement possible. Changes to milk production in this country didn’t happen quickly. The first cows arrived with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. For hundreds of years thereafter, access to milk depended on owning a cow. As the number of farms increased, other agricultural products were put on wagons and sold in town. Milk was especially perishable and spoiled easily when there was no way to keep it cool. It was risky to transport milk. In the early 1900s, significant discoveries, inventions and new knowledge about safe milk handling brought big changes to milk production. The quality and safety of milk was improved when America learned about the pasteurization process developed by the French scientist Louis Pasteur. When the pasteurization process was applied to milk, it destroyed the harmful bacteria, germs and yeast in the milk. The process involves heating raw milk to 1620 degrees for 16 seconds then cooling it immediately to 390. When controlled refrigeration methods and refrigerated trucks were invented, transporting perishable foods like milk to different markets became profitable. The importance of keeping milk cool had always been known, but the technology and the science was not in place until the early 20th century.
    [Show full text]
  • Food Production: Dairy
    FARM TO PLATE STRATEGIC PLAN | 3.3 FOOD PRODUCTION: DAIRY ANALYSIS OF VERMONT’S FOOD SYSTEM Food Production: Dairy What role does dairy farming play in Vermont’s food system? What can be done to improve dairy farm viability over the next ten years? Vermont is the largest dairy producing state in New England, and Kimble’s folk art, from county fairs to the Burlington Cow Parade. U.S. Senator Patrick dairy products (milk, dairy beef, and forage crops grown for livestock) Leahy has described dairyman-turned-actor-turned-Senate candidate Fred Tuttle as account for upwards of 83% (≈ $584 million, adjusted for inflation to “the distilled essence of Vermonthood.” For over 100 years, dairy farming has had 2010 dollars) of the state’s agricultural products’ sales, and as much as significant economic, ecological, and cultural impacts in Vermont. 90% depending on market prices. Even though the number of dairy cows has declined, the average amount of milk produced per cow has increased, and total milk production has consistently exceeded 2 billion pounds of milk per year for the past 50 years. Value added dairy products including ice cream, cheese, butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, powdered milk, and other products also provide profitable opportunities for Vermont dairy farmers. Gross sales of Vermont’s processed dairy products total about $1.2 billion per year. Vermont’s dairy-centric landscape also contributes to the desirability of Vermont as a tourist destination. The Vermont Tourism Data Center estimates that at least 10 million people visited the Green Mountain State in 2009, many of whom were attracted by the beauty of the landscape.
    [Show full text]