Fun facts about dairy cows
The dairy farmers across America send many thanks to consumers for buying milk, cheese and other dairy products!
Read More
Growing up, the county fair was a big part of summer life on the farm for me. As Gary and I raised our daughters, it was the same for our whole family. As 4-H club members, me an adviser and Gary the manager of the annual cheese auction, the fair was a much-anticipated event.
Even though the girls have long since graduated out of 4-H and Gary and I no longer volunteer through 4-H, we anticipate visiting the fair every year. We enjoy watching the dairy competitions and visiting with friends we made along the way.
The fair’s arrival also causes us to reflect on the memories made, including early mornings washing and feeding the dairy cows we exhibited, showmanship wins and trophies that are upstairs on shelves, and the animals that won them. We will always remember the great friends that are our fair family and how we help each other throughout the week.
I also reflect on the interaction we each have had with the public. We always felt like we were bringing a piece of the farm to share. We answered questions, let fair visitors pet our animals and tried to share our livelihood with them. A common question was, “Do you really take the baby cows away from their mothers right away?”, which led to a conversation on milk production, udder health and calf health.
Have you ever heard of the term “anthropomorphism”? According to Wikipedia, it is the attribution of human traits, emotions and intentions to non-human entities. Pets, especially cats and dogs, are increasingly being cared for according to human patterns. Pets are regarded as family members and are often considered equivalent to children in the level of attention they gain from pet owners.
I have had dairy cows in my life that became like pets, but they are still cows. I remember my friend Dave told me as we were loading up the cows to head to our last 4-H fair, “Do you know what the problem is? Hollywood has humanized all kinds of animals. And now, people who have never lived on a farm are making the rules on the best way to raise animals.”
I know a bunch of dairy farmers, and I know that they are in the business of taking care of their cows. If they didn’t, they would be out of business. This made me think of my most memorable interaction with a fairgoer, which was about artificial insemination (what I think of when AI is mentioned). She thought it was a horrible violation of the cow. The facts of why farmers use it did not change her mind, but at least I tried.
As the fair is approaching, I am making plans to watch the 4-H and open class dairy shows, work a shift at the milkshake booth, and serve at the Trumbull County Farm Bureau booth.
I hope you have plans to go to the fair as well. Continuing to learn is important, no matter your age. So, bring your questions and let’s have a conversation.
Submitted by Mary Smallsreed, a member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau who grew up on a family dairy farm in Northeast Ohio.
OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Featured Articles
Check in on each other
Check on your kids. Check on the friend who has been unusually quiet. Check on the farmer who hasn’t been at the coffee shop lately. Check on the person who is always the strong one for everyone else.
And when someone tells you they are struggling, listen.
Understanding your cattle brings benefits
Knowing how a certain cow acts or responds can often indicate something about her health and well-being as well.
Read More
It’s finally fall on the farm
This fall, as you’re picking up a pumpkin spice latte or an apple cider doughnut, don’t forget to bring home a squash.
Read More
Preparing for emergencies saves time, money
Preparation may not be as exciting as purchasing new equipment, but when an emergency occurs, it can be one of the best investments you ever make.
Read More
Grange ties families with agriculture
The Grange was a place to meet with and get to know your neighbors in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
Read More
Patterson serving on 2026 OFBF Policy Development Committee
Bill Patterson of Chesterland is serving on the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
Read More
Stanhope serving on 2026 OFBF Policy Development Committee
Marsha Stanhope of Kinsman is serving on the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee.
Read More
Raising livestock can be family affair
While we may walk into those barns thinking we’re raising livestock for the county fair, somewhere along the way we’re raising kids, too.
Read More
Expanding into a new farm venture
Who knew that what started as having to come up with a prefix for my first homebred Jersey would grow into such a brand and new business ventures for me.
Read More