The ABCs of dairy

For example, today was A and each child could bring their favourite stuffed animal to school.

Managing Editor / Progressive Dairy

Since this issue is published at the onset of June, I thought it would be nice to celebrate June Dairy Month by identifying something related to dairy for each letter of the alphabet. So here goes:

Alfalfa – A mainstay forage for dairy cattle.

Bovine – Having to do with cows or cattle.

Cheese – There are roughly 2,000 varieties of cheese that delight taste buds all around the world.

D – As in Vitamin D, with which milk is fortified to promote calcium absorption.

Equipment – From tractors and field equipment to precision technologies and milking equipment, dairy producers use a lot of tools to get their jobs done.

Farm – The privately owned land and buildings where dairying occurs.

Genetics – Credited with the advancements of the modern dairy cow, genetics have enhanced how cows can perform on today’s farms.

Hoof – The foundation of every cow and an important focus area to increase longevity in the herd.

Ice cream – A great dairy treat that is commonly enjoyed when the weather is warm.

Jobs – The dairy industry provides employment not only on farms, but also within the businesses that provide products and services to farms as well as to businesses in rural communities where profits from dairy farms are spent.

Knowledge – Wisdom is not only passed from one generation to the next, but also acquired from a vast amount of scientific resources.

Land – A valuable commodity that is needed for growing food and recycling nutrients.

Milk – A natural beverage that provides excellent nutrition in the form of water, protein, fat, lactose, vitamins and minerals.

Nutritionist – A key dairy adviser that looks after a herd’s nutritional well-being.

Outside – Dairy farms are outdoor businesses, leaving them subject to Mother Nature.

Progressive – The mindset that propels dairy farmers to be in business now and in the future.

Quality – Milk and the dairy products made from it are safe and wholesome thanks to quality measures adhered to throughout the industry.

Replacements – Calves and heifers are the next generation of the herd.

Silage – Whether from corn, small grains, grass or alfalfa, fermented silage is a staple in modern dairy diets.

Transition – Many dairy farms are multigenerational businesses that transition from one generation to the next.

Udder – The mammary gland that produces milk.

Veterinarian – The doctor of the dairy industry helping care for cow health.

Welfare – The care and well-being that comes with raising dairy cattle.

eXpositions – From cattle shows to tradeshows, members of the dairy industry flock to expositions to further their farm businesses.

You – Whether a farmer or a member of the allied industry, you are what makes the dairy industry a special community.

Zing – The dairy industry puts a little zing in its promotional efforts this time of year when wishing everyone a Happy June Dairy Month! PD

To see the ABCs of dairy in pictorial form, I invite you to discover our new Canadian-specific social media channels. Like us Progressive Dairyman Canada Facebook. and follow us at @pdmag_CAN to see the alphabet (and other great information) displayed over the next few months.