Today and Everyday – Thank You, Farmers.
Sep 29, 2022 (Westby, WI)
National Farmer’s Day is Oct. 12. On this day, Westby Cooperative Creamery celebrates the 140 small, family farms that are the foundation of this cooperative’s operations. Even more, the Creamery honors the positive impact dairy farming has on our communities.
Did you know Wisconsin dairy products are enjoyed by more than 300 million consumers around the world? That’s right! In turn, Wisconsin’s dairy industry generates $45.6 billion each year for the state’s economy, according to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. That’s more than the combined value of Florida citrus and Idaho potatoes!
Additionally, Wisconsin dairy farms create 154,000 jobs and generate $1.26 billion in state and local taxes. These jobs include more than just farming — a milk hauler is needed to transport milk, a veterinarian to check on the well-being of the herd, plant employees to take the milk and craft it into something special to eat and so many more.
Dairy farmers are the original conservationists and environmentalists committed to sustainability and conserving natural resources for today’s efficiencies and tomorrow’s productivity. They demonstrate their knowledge and experience by converting these natural resources into fluid milk and high-quality dairy foods for human consumption in a sustainable manner. Dairy farmers have shrunk their carbon footprint by 20%, use 21% less land and 31% less water per gallon of milk than just three years ago, according to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
Like most people have cats and dogs as pets, dairy farmers think of their cows as their pets and treat them as such. Westby Creamery confirms that its farmers care for their animals in a humane manner through the National Dairy FARM Program certification. The National Dairy FARM Program creates accountability through on-farm, second-party evaluations. Farmers who sign a pledge of participation are subject to random third-party evaluations as well.
On a nutritional level, consuming dairy products increases the daily intake of necessary nutrients to maintain a healthy body – at a low cost. In fact, there are 13 essential nutrients found in milk, including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, zinc and protein. The protein in dairy – whey and casein – keeps you feeling full longer, provides energy to fuel your day and helps muscles recover while you sleep. Cultured dairy foods like yogurt and sour cream are linked to health benefits as well, including reduced inflammation, improved digestive health and healthy immune systems.
Westby Cooperative Creamery recognizes the many ways in which Wisconsin dairy farmers help and care for our local communities on an economic, environmental and nutritional level. Support your local dairy farmer by purchasing Westby Creamery dairy products often. Shop online or find a grocer near you here.
