In The Home Stretch!

So I am in my last few days as the "reigning" Senior Michigan Dairy Ambassador. I am trying to finish up some projects and get things squared away for the conference, all while carrying the load of my busy classes. I think that I am beginning to know what it is like to be an adult, or as my mom likes to say, "Welcome to adulthood."

Anyway, I figured that I should finally finish up writing about some of the activities I did over the fall/winter.

"Autumnfest"

Waaaayyyy back in November, the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference along with the Michigan Dairy Ambassadors sponsored a booth at the largest tailgate of the year - Autumnfest. Brittany Westendorp, Sara Long, Krista Beeker and myself (along with the help of my mom - Doreen and little sister - Kylie) had a booth featuring Earlene the cow and "Count Chocula". Earlene is a wooden life-like cow that offers a hands-on experience of milking a cow, but without the worry of being kicked. The idea behind "Count Chocula" was to promote chocolate milk and remind people of the healthy benefits of drinking it. Also, we wanted to remind people to be eating and or drinking at least 3-a-day of dairy.

We had a lot of positive feedback about the booth. I heard people saying that it was educational and fun. Everyone really like the chocolate milk as well. The chocolate milk came from our very own Brittany Westendorp's family farm and creamery - Moo-ville Creamery in Nashville, Michigan. We had such a great response that we were awarded the first-ever "People's Choice Award".


Chocolate Milk - Beverage of Champions

• "Chocolate milk contains both carbohydrates and protein that are important for an athlete's health; carbohydrates in milk fuels muscles after exercise, and protein helps maintain healthy muscles. From bone building to muscle strengthening, the nutrients in chocolate milk provide a variety of positive health benefits."

• "Chocolate milk provides important nutrients in a convenient great-tasting, relatively inexpenive package. According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid recommendations, Americans of all activity levels should include 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products in their diet every day. Chocolate milk provides another option for meeting these recommendations."

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005. 6th Edition, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, January 2005.

• "The preliminary research on chocolate milk as a recovery beverage is promising. However, additional research needs to be done to help further support chocolate milk specifically as a post-exercise recovery beverage."

The End of an Era...Part II

Okay...so I left off last with the dairy show on Thursday morning.

Pretty much directly after the dairy show I had to set up the dairy area with dairy promotion items for Kiddies' Day. I brought some bull calves up for the day so kids could help bottle feed them and pet them. Also, some kids who came a little early were able to see us milking "old school" with the old pump and can milker. For a while we thought we would have to milk them out by hand! Once all the promo. items got put up and organized, we pulled out the ice cream freezer and made some soft-serve ice cream for the kids. I think that the kids really loved the ice cream because Thursday was unbearably hot! It was just the treat to cool you down!

I wish that more kids would have came out to the dairy tent, but by the time the show was over - a lot of kids were already on the carnival rides for their Kiddies' Day Special. Overall, I learned a lot from this event and it really taught me that I shouldn't take on more than I can handle. I was entirely exhausted from the show and the heat, that it was difficult for me to show the same amount of leadership as I usually would have. I also think that it would have went more smoothly if we would have been able more easily tie the two schedules together. Nevertheless, I am still glad that I did it, because I feel that the people I was able to talk to and that came over were able to have fun, cool down or learn something new about the dairy industry!

Friday was sale day at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. All in all, I would have to say that we had a good livestock auction. A lot of the animals sold well, other than the occasional super high and low sellers. I love to see all the business and people from the community coming out to support our youth! I think that it is awesome, because in the long run, they are supporting Gratiot Counties future generation. Some kids will take their money and save it for college, others will just barely have enough to break even, but in the end, most kids have gained so much more by being in 4-H and being an exhibitor at the fair. I get a little discouraged when I see some of the power-house families in the county getting prices that are far higher than all the other exhibitors. Regardless on how hard they work compared with other kids, it isn't fair that they are getting higher prices because of their last name.

Brady Brecht is a 4-Her from my county and he is a great example of an honest, hard-working individual who is passionate about learning, serving and being a great example for other 4-her's. He was interviewed by Farm World and they wrote an awesome article about him. To read more about Brady and his passion for being supportive of everyone around him visit: http://www.farmworldonline.com/News/NewsArticle.asp?newsid=6427.

Saturday was finally a day for me to relax and just have fun. I was able to sleep in...do all that stuff that one should be able to do on your week off from work. Our county fair always has Ag. Olympics for the exhibitors and kids at the fair. This year was probably the first year that I actually went up to watch in a really long time. I ended up helping out with some of the interesting and hilarious games! The staff of the Gratiot County MSU Extension had come up with some truly unique games that were related to agriculture and the fair. They had relays like Sugar Beet Shomanship (they basically dragged a sugar beet down and around a cone with a rope halter and or a scoop shovel), Feed Bag/Three Legged Race, Wheel Barrel Races, Egg Relay on a spoon, picking up as many cucumbers as possible in a short amount of time and probably the grossest and yet funniest was the manure identification. They went around and collected manure samples from all the barns and the kids had to visit different stations and identify them. I was the lucky volunteer to be holding "chicken poop".

I am releived that the fair is finally over, but a little sad that I am no longer able to be an exhibitor. I am sure that I will be back again for years to come as a 4-H leader!

The End of One Era - The Start of a New One!

Every summer since I was the age of nine, mid to late July has always been the busiest time of the year - between harvesting wheat, playing sports and getting my 4-H projects ready for the fair. Whether it was putting the final stitches into my jumper I made for my sewing project or working with, washing and clipping my animals to perfection from dusk 'till dawn, 4-H wasn't just about exhibiting projects at the fair to see how much money I would make, not even about how well I was able to compete against the other exhibitors - I received much more by being in 4-H for 12 years! I have learned many lifelong skills and noble characteristics from my parents, 4-H leaders and other 4-Her's I've met along the way! Throughout my 12 years, I have learned to be a responsible, caring and enthusiastic individual - ready and eager to learn and serve! 4-H is an awesome way for kids to get involved in pretty much any area - if you can think of it, they probably have something out there for you!!

This summer had pretty much the same 'ring' to it - but maybe a little less involved at home (seeing as I am working during the day on campus). This year my 4-H projects consisted primarily on my Dairy cow and heifer, as well as my Holstein feeder calf. Although this year, I felt myself starting to be molded into a 4-H leader - as I was helping younger kids with their projects. They extended the fair week this year - which kind of was a little discouraging for many exhibitors and their parents - but by the grace of God I am pretty sure everyone survived! Tuesday was the beef and feeder judging and I truly felt blessed when I won the Reserve Grand Champion Feeder honors this year at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. Wednesday was another long day - beef and feeder showmanship - here I didn't come out so lucky, or at least that is how I felt. I ended up getting 3rd in a super close call between the top three showman. Personally, I felt a little cheated from what I thought was a pretty awesome job by myself - but the judge had his own personal preferences. The judge gave us three showman opportunities to come to the microphone and he asked us questions on the spot - One of the major questions he talked about were issues facing the cattle industry: The first kid that went up to the microphone addressed the issue of feed prices (corn prices being at around $6 a bushel causes the feed prices to exponentially increase greatly) and how big or a role that will play on the producers in the industry as well as the quality of the product. I then proceeded to go to the microphone and I addressed the issue of Animal Welfare and certain ethical issues that the livestock industry is facing today! I also mentioned how important it was for me as a producers to make sure that I am promoting our industry as positively as possible. I thought I did a good job addressing the issue and stating my claim. Another issue that I think that could have been addressed was environmental restrictions (I should probably write a little more on that another time); however, the third person was asked a totally different question that isn't really relevant to the other questions we were asked above.

Finally Thursday rolled around - time for another exhausting day! The dairy show was bright and early and I rolled out of bed a good half hour before the sun crept over the horizon. First was showmanship, so I decided to take my cow out - big mistake. She didn't want to cooperate very well and because of my cow, I wound up getting third again while my brother Garrett took the 1st place honors!! My mom was just about in tears because Garrett felt so bad for beating me - because it was my last year and because he knew that I worked harder than he had. I came back though in judging and won my class with my heifer and ended up winning Reserve Champion Junior Holstein Female, Champion Senior Female and to top it off Supreme Champion Female! Now that is something I could smile about!

Wow, there is a lot to write about and its getting late...I will have to finish this story in another blog later!!!

Summer is Flying By So Fast!

Wow! I can't believe that it is already July! Happy Ice Cream Month!!

Sorry I haven't written anything in a long time, summer got super busy real fast. June was filled with working everyday, helping out on the farm and getting ready for the fair. Not to mention going to open houses, church softball and just enjoying the beautiful weather.

Here is a recap of some of the events that occurred through the month of June:

June 20 - Made an appearance at the First Congregational Christian Church in St. John's for their Auction Fest 2008. Helped serve ice cream and was able to test their knowledge of the dairy industry by asking them questions and handing out a few prizes.

June 23-27 - My little brother and sister were exhibitors this year at the Gratiot Ag. Society Fair. They both showed scramble animals - my brother with a steer and my sister with a pig. My brother Garrett won Grand Champion with his steer and my sister, well didn't come out that good. Then, Thursday after the sale, my brother caught another scramble steer! Then on friday one of my older brothers, Wade, was in the the first ever adult calf scramble. He and his partner had to rope the calf, halter it up and get it to the fence. There were men of all ages, from 18 on up. It was pretty entertaing to watch.

June 29 - I went to the Annual MMPA's OYDC Picnic with my family. My parents were the 1998 OYDC's and since then have attended almost every picnic all around the state. Fortunately this year we didn't have to travel very far. It makes for an enjoyable afternoon when all the farmers can sit around and eat and talk about each others families and farms. It was nice to hear current issues and news from MMPA top guns - Ken Nobis and John Dilland. They talked a bit about where the industry is going - the prices, bulk milk, etc. and also about the success of the farm bill.

Well, I probably better get going. I have a freakishly busy next few weeks. This week I am getting things around for the fair. I will be doing a promotional and education event this week at the fair for Kiddies' Day. I will also be exhibiting a dairy feeder as well as showing in a heifer and a cow in the dairy show. This year at the fair, I was given the opportunity to run the dairy judging clinic - that should be exciting!!
The week after that is Dairy Days down in East Lansing, Michigan! Youth from across the state will be meeting in the middle to compete with their animals, as well as against eachother in different activities such as dairy judging, quiz bowl, and showmanship. There will be a ton of cool activities going on. Be sure to be there on Wednesday, July 23 for The Great Dairy Adventure! If you want more information on that, check out my link to the UDIM page. I can't wait!!

I will be sure to post any or all picture from the next couple weeks!

I Scream, You Scream, We ALL Scream for Ice Cream!

Summer has arrived, or at least I hope it has. Dust off the summer gear and pull out the sun glasses. The days are getting longer and the sun is shining brighter. You know what that means? Ice Cream!!! Although it is also important to maintain a healthy diet - even when you have a craving for something cold and sweet! I thought that it would be cool to post some mouth watering, delicious and nutricious recipes to help you chill during the summer monthes.

1. I LOVE Ice Cream and it can be a healthy treat on a hot summer day! Here is something to cool you down - Double Chocolate Ice Cream.

Ingredients
1 1/3 cups sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa; 2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk, divided; 3 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup half-and-half; 2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped.
Preparation

Combine sugar and cocoa in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup milk and egg yolks. Stir in remaining 2 cups milk. Cook 12 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160°, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Place half-and-half in a microwave-safe dish; microwave at high 1 1/2 minutes or until half-and-half boils. Add chocolate to half-and-half; stir until smooth. Add half-and-half mixture to pan; stir until smooth. Place pan in an ice-filled bowl. Cool completely, stirring occasionally.
Pour mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Spoon ice cream into a freezer-safe container; cover and freeze 1 hour or until firm.
Yield
8 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup)
writeNutrient();
Nutritional Information
CALORIES 255(30% from fat); FAT 8.4g (sat 4.3g,mono 1.4g,poly 0.3g); PROTEIN 5.6g; CHOLESTEROL 87mg; CALCIUM 38mg; SODIUM 51mg; FIBER 1.8g; IRON 0.9mg; CARBOHYDRATE 44.5g

The recipe can be found at cookinglight.com - http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1206182&package_id=1214606

2. As a college student I have grown an affinity for coffee. Since it is summer, why not an Iced Coffee with MILK!

Ingredients
2 cups low-fat milk*; 2 cups freshly brewed coffee, cooled; sugar substitute, to taste
Preparations
Stir together 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of coffee. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight until frozen solid. Pour remaining milk and coffee into 2 tall glasses. Sweeten to taste with sugar substitute and add half of the prepared milk ice cubes** to each glass.
*Or, substitute with low-fat chocolate milk to create an iced mocha coffee.
**Size and amount of ice cubes may vary depending on ice cube tray.
Yield
2 servings
Nutritional Information
Calories: 100; Total Fat: 2.5 g; Saturated Fat: 1.5 g; Cholesterol: 10 mg; Sodium: 130 mg; Calcium: 30% Daily Value; Protein: 8 g (8 grams from dairy); Carbohydrate: 12 g; Dietary Fiber: 0 g.

3. When I think of eating during the summer, grilling always comes to mind. Soft Chicken Tacos are bound to be a crowd pleaser for the patio dinners!

Ingredients
1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs; Cooking spray; 12 (6-inch) white corn tortillas; 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage; 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese (such as Tillamook);Low-fat sour cream (optional).

Preparation

Prepare Grill. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl; rub spice mixture over chicken.
Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 10 minutes on each side or until done. Let stand 5 minutes; chop. Heat tortillas according to package directions. Divide chicken evenly among tortillas; top each tortilla with 2 tablespoons cabbage and 1 teaspoon cheese. Serve with sour cream, if desired.
Yield
4 servings (serving size: 3 tacos)
writeNutrient();
Nutritional Information
CALORIES 329(34% from fat); FAT 12.5g (sat 3.5g,mono 3.5g,poly 2.9g); PROTEIN 27.4g; CHOLESTEROL 86mg; CALCIUM 109mg; SODIUM 466mg; FIBER 3.9g; IRON 1.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 29.4g

The Recipe can be found at cookinglight.com - http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1227897.

To see some other great ideas for healthy and tasty dairy recipes visit: http://www.udim.org/Recipes.htm.

Animal Welfare... What is this All About?

HELLO! I am finally done with school for the summer and have another year of school under my belt! Over the year, I had the opportunity to discuss topics like animal welfare in some of my classes and how the way consumers products are handled and treated can effect the demand in the consumer market. Just within the last month, I have also had the opportunity to sit in on meetings and participate in educational events where I saw first hand both the concerns and views of producers and consumers. For example, Dairy producers are concerned that the public and media can help to portray a negative image on the way their farms are run. Likewise, concerned consumers have questions for the producers of their food, and tend to be misinformed primarily because of media hype.

Animal welfare and animal rights has been a hot topic thus far in 2008 across the animal agriculture industry. In February, the USDA ordered the largest meat recall in U.S. history after substantial evidence showing that the Westland/Hallmark Meat Packing company from Chino, California was not preventing unambulatory cows from entering the food supply. I was very frustrated when I saw videos posted and headlines around the U.S. bashing the animal ag. industry. The employees that worked for that meat packing company, which were fired, are to blame for this matter and people like them are helping the media by dragging the animal ag. industry through the mud.

As a producer, my goal is to help promote our industries in a positive way by educating and informing the public. Sometimes it could be as simple as letting them know that producers want to produce the best product possible, and in doing so must be responsible and take good care of their animals. I guess my takehome message would be for consumers is to ask question directly to the producers because that is where you are going to get factual answers; as for the producers, don't be afraid to get out there and inform the public of your business (i.e., farm tours and classroom education).

If you have any other of thoughts, comments or questions about this - feel free to add something in!

First Things First...

I am the 2008 Michigan Dairy Ambassador! Brittany Westendorp and I will be serving the dairy industry this year as Dairy Ambassador's. It is such an honor to be able to work with a great group of people throughout the years to come.

I have already started putting together some ideas and helping with activities. On Thursday, May 8, Ashley Messing and the Ambassador program will be putting on a field trip day called "Udderly Cool Field Day at Moo-ville" for 2nd-4th graders in the Lansing and Grand Rapids areas at the Moo-ville Creamery in Nashville, Michigan. The students will have a chance to tour the dairy barn and creamery, all while having fun learning about the delicious and nutritious dairy products that they eat! Hopefully we will get a good turnout and beautiful weather!

This is my very first blog - so I am still new to this. If you have any additional comments or topics that you would like me to write about, feel free to drop a comment or an e-mail.