Got Milk?
- Saydee Longhurst
- Jun 15, 2020
- 4 min read
It's no secret that this catchy question has been seen in ad campaigns around the country. Originally launched in 1993, the Got Milk? campaign posters can be seen in lunchrooms across all 50 states. The purpose of the campaign was to encourage milk consumption (obviously, *wink*) but a lot has changed since the 90's. (thank goodness for 90's country tho, amirite?!) One of the big changes is the demand for dairy alternatives in cooking, baking, and everyday consumption. Foodie trends have hyped up the demand for a 'healthier' alternative to the good old fashioned milk.
Here is a hilarious spoof on 'nut milking':
I understand the need for wanting an alternative to milk for dieting reasons. I personally have used Almond Milk in smoothies to cut down on carbs as well as Coconut Milk for baking. I love that is provides consumers with options on what they choose to eat. As a producer myself, I believe it is vital for folks to have access to food as well as to have options on the food they purchase.
On the flip side, I feel the general public is misguided on milk alternatives versus the real stuff. For one, nut milk really isn't even milk it's more of a creamy juice. (I could go on for hours about the labeling of food products in our country but I'll save you from that rant...for now ;).
From a dairyman's perspective it can be hard to market your milk in the same category as a nut. For instance it would be like me trying to market my small alfalfa hay bales in the same category as grass clippings from lawn. While goats would happily munch on either product and be full, animals such as horses and sheep need the nutrients from alfalfa that grass clippings simply can't provide. It's important to note the price difference between small alfalfa hay bales and grass clippings. For one, grass clippings are usually free (I use the term 'free' loosely here) while hay can be pretty pricey depending on the quality. It's the same with humans when choosing which milk is going to have the best nutrition benefits for them as well as price. Milk by the gallon can be pretty expensive for some households in our nation. For instance, almond milk is cheaper by comparison but is the health benefits the same?
An article done by Milk Life shares the protein content in each option.
"With 8 grams of protein in every 8-ounce glass, dairy milk has eight times more protein than almond milk and rice milk, which only have one gram of protein. Coconut milk has 0 grams of protein."
Just some food for thought! I'll include the link to the article if you would like to read more:
While we're on the subject of milk, I think it is important to note that June is National Dairy Month! With so much turmoil going on in our world I think this is a very happy and easy-to-celebrate holiday. I know for me, I will be consuming all of the Reed's Dairy Cookies N Cream ice cream that I can.
YUM - Now doesn't this cone just look absolutely delightful!
In honor of our dairies across the country, I will be linking 3 articles that I personally loved talking about dairy products and dairy farm families in the state of Idaho and the nation.
Number One:
Idaho Preferred. I originally learned about this campaign when I toured the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. (I have looked for the little blue sticker in grocery stores ever since!) This campaign was launched in an effort to provide the opportunity for consumers to buy local products from around Idaho.
Here is the link to their website regarding dairy products:
Number Two:
Dairy Farmers of America other wise known as DFA help dairy farmers around the nation. You have probably seen one of their semi trucks driving down the highway (full of milk). Here is the direct link to the Dairy Farmers of America website to learn more how they help our dairy farmers.
Number Three:
This could possibly be my favorite article I found. I loved the format of it as well as the way it told the story of dairy farming. If you read any of these articles let it be this one!
To wrap this post up I have included twp of my favorite graphics below:
I loved this first graph because it shows the top producing dairy states in the country! Did you know that Idaho's number one agricultural business is dairy?! (but what about potatoes...don't worry they come in third!) We as state, hold our own when it comes to cheese production.
This second graphic has a fun spin on sharing facts. I loved how it shares information in an exciting way, feel free to share with your younger 'friends' to help them have a personal ownership in the food they consume.
My hope for you as a reader, is to take away at least one bit of information you didn't know before regarding the agricultural industry. I love writing about topics in ag because it allows for me to learn and educate myself! I am not an expert and do not claim to be one. Just girl who happened to have been brought up on farm.
Thank you for reading.
*tips ball cap from the tractor seat*
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