As I was flying from Rochester to Minneapolis and then all the way to  California, for my internship this summer with Fiscalini Dairy Farm and Cheese Company, I had the honor to talk to different consumers about the wonderful Dairy Industry, and once again I am surprised about how little people know about where their food truly comes from, or the the stereotypes that they have for dairy farmers and farming in general.
       One particular conversation stuck out to me on my very first flight from Rochester to Minneapolis. The women sitting next to me was intrigued, and wanted to  know all about what was going on in the dairy industry such as the difference between organic and conventional foods and of course the debate on Genetically Modified Foods. It was a short flight of an hour and a half, and as we neared Minneapolis and were preparing for landing she looked at me and said, “I would like you to know that everyone morning I either eat cereal and milk or have a glass of milk with my breakfast, and I constantly think about the hard working farmers that are always caring for their  animals to the best of their abilities.  I always think to myself Thank God for farmers! I enjoy all of the delicious dairy products all the time.” What she said to me meant so much, because sometimes all dairy farmers here are the negative stereotypes that consumers have toward them, and they are never thanked enough for all of the hard work that they put in everyday Consumers truly appreciate the amazing work that farmers do every single day three-hundred and sixty-five days twenty-four-seven.
        As dairy farmers we all love to hear people that appreciate the hard work, but there will always be negative stereotypes that are associated with dairy farmers. Of course advocating for the dairy industry, and helping consumers to understand why farmers do what we have to do is very important in reducing the number of people that have a negative stereotype.
        If you are a farmer reading this I personally thank you for all of your hard work you put in everyday, but I challenge you to interact with a consumer either by posting a status about the wonderful aspects of farming, or personally talking to consumers and informing them about the dairy industry.
        If you are a consumer  reading this I hope that you enjoy  dairy products as much as I do and always eat your three servings of dairy everyday, but I challenge you that the next time you see a dairy farmer personally thank them for their hard work!

HAPPY JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH! Eat Three Servings of Dairy Every Day!