Farm Life
2019 Maine Green Pastures Winner – Cooley Farm
Marcia Dean and her family were recently honored as the Maine Dairy Farm of the Year and Green Pastures Award winner. Nearly 30 years ago, the future of Cooley Farm was put into the hands of the owner’s 14-year-old granddaughter. On August 25, 1990, the farm’s milking barn burned down, killing about 60 milk cows. Rufus … Continued
Anything but Just a Number
Though Taylor Dairy Farm is home to a large herd of cattle, each animal gets individual attention. They’re anything but just a number. While this might look like a whole lot of Jersey cows, Taylor Farm relies on technology and personal interaction with the cows to ensure they are healthy and happy. With nearly 1,800 Jersey cattle … Continued
2018 Maine Green Pastures Winner – Highland Farms
Highland Farms, Inc. in Cornish has a long, interesting history in the Maine dairy farming community. With the upcoming generations, their future looks just as enduring. Family member and dairy farmer Libby Bleakney is proud that the family has been able to maintain their beautiful, well-kept farm so that the next generations come back to … Continued
2017 Maine Green Pastures Winner – Hall Farms
The Hall family has farmed in East Dixfield since 1816. When a dairy farm family is in a community for three, four, five, six, seven, or eight generations like many of Maine’s dairy farms, those families are not only deeply invested in their farm, but in their community. You’ll often see their names on school … Continued
Keeping Cows Cool in The Summer Heat
Dairy farmer Betsy Bullard with veterinarians Meghan Flanagan and Jana Zwetsloot of Annabessacook Veterinary Clinic during their weekly visit at Brigeen Farms in Turner. If a cow could speak, a dairy farmer would probably ask her 20 questions a day, at least, like: How are you today? Feeling all right? Can I get you anything? … Continued
How Now Brown Cow
Although she’s second in milk production only to the Holstein and well-known for her docile personality, the Brown Swiss never caught on with the popularity of some of the other milking breeds. For the Smith family of East Dixfield, there’s no other breed they would rather have in their barn. The Smith family of More … Continued
What People Have to Say
Maine Dairy and Nutrition Council works with schools across the state, offering grants each year for needed school nutrition equipment.
Ellen Dore, RSU 16
The staff loves them (the red coolers) because they are just the right size for milk, pack out field trips and they keep everything cold. Kids at the summer camp help to unload the van and it's a competition as to who can carry the red bag by themselves without needing help (Milk helps to grow muscles twice-once to carry it and twice drinking it!) Once again, the red cooler bags helped to make the summer a success!!!
Mary Sue Thompson, Machias
The smoothie machine prompted creativity from our kitchen staff, and the students now appreciate the variety in their breakfasts. Support like this helps small rural schools offer diverse menu options.
Perley Martin, RSU 71
Thank you so much for your continued partnership to make our program better.
Tammy Connors, RSU 74
All of the RSU #74 schools have been fortunate to receive generous support, encouragement and funding from the Maine Dairy & Nutrition Council. Most recently, our High School received a needed Milk Barrel in the fitting Cow Pattern to go along with our farming communities. Our 3 elementary schools have held many friendly competitions to raise awareness of the importance of healthy habits & drinking vitamin rich milk. The support we have received over the years is invaluable and provides not only the financial support but resources and knowledge to help us all, in the classrooms and kitchens, to educate students on the importance of making life-long healthy choices.
Tyler Guerin, Portland Public Schools Nutrition Program
They (red insulated coolers) were essential in serving our community during the summer months, allowing our program to focus on meal quality without worrying about limited cooler space.
Melissa Belanger, RSU 87
The addition of the yogurt bar to our breakfast has given the students participating more choices which I believe has helped us to keep our numbers where they are at now. We are so appreciative of this grant and all it has helped us to accomplish.
