Green County is well known for its amazing cheese. Our talented cheesemakers have a large part in why Green County has such fame and glory. They deserve a lot of credit for their hard work because these are the individuals who make the cheese that Green County is known for. However, what we may not realize is that there are many more individuals who contribute to this thriving industry. It is time to take a different look at how our beloved cheese is made and all of the work that goes into it.
It all started with Wisconsin's historical roots. The early settlers who came to the Green County area took advantage of the fertile ground to start small dairy farms. These early immigrants brought with them their knowledge of dairy farming and cheesemaking. As time went on and farming technologies increased, these small farmers were able to expand and sell their cow's milk to small cheese factories. This became very popular and got passed down through generations of dairy farmers. My family, for example, has been selling milk from our dairy farm for three generations.
Like our farm, many local dairy farmers are family-owned and operated. These farms are continually expanding, buying new equipment, expanding infrastructure, buying more land, and adding more cattle to the herd. To accomplish this, these farmers need to contact their local implement dealers, agriculture construction companies, veterinarians, feed companies and more. These are all agricultural related fields that all contribute to dairy farming. Without these jobs, dairy farming would not be possible. There are approximately 21 million people in the United States who work in these agricultural-related fields.
These are just a few of the jobs that contribute to the successful running of a dairy farm to produce milk for Green County's delicious cheese. After the cows are milked on one of Green County's many dairy farms, it is stored in a bulk tank until the milk truck driver comes to receive it and deliver the milk to the cheese factory. Once at the factory, the milk is made into cheese. When the product is complete, food scientists and packaging designers are needed to finish the final cheese product. The cheese then needs to be refrigerated and transported to a retailer for purchase. All of these occupations are important ingredients to the successful production of Green County's cheese.
Overall, agriculture is very well rounded. When many individuals picture agriculture, they think of the typical farmer working away in his or her field. In reality, agriculture is a group effort that needs many diverse jobs to produce even the most delicious accomplishments, such as Green County's cheese.
Throughout this past year, I have been able to proudly serve and taste many of the delicious varieties of Green County's famous cheese. I learned a lot about the cheese industry, and am proud to come from and area with such historical cheesemaking roots. Very soon, my "cheesin' while queenin'" days will be coming to an end. On June 5, 2015, I will be passing on my title as Monroe Dairy Queen. The past year has been one to remember, and although it may have seemed hectic at times, the overall impact of my reign has been beyond imaginable.
Starting last June, my journey as a Green County Dairy Queen began with 12 other community queens. I would have a lot to learn, such as how to become mentally prepared for any question about agriculture to being able to professionally and confidently address a room full of people. I was able to meet many amazing community members along the way, and was truly able to experience the "Cheese Charm" that the city of Monroe has to offer.
All of this would not have been possible if it wasn't for the Green County Ag Chest. This particular organization was founded about 50 years ago by a group of farmers who wanted to spread agriculture education throughout Green County. The Ag Chest hosts the annual Green County Breakfast on the Farm, and also makes an appearance at a variety of community events with the famous cream puff and ice cream trailers. Being a non profit organization, the Ag Chest is able to give out numerous scholarships to local youth all throughout Green County. The Green County Dairy Queen program is also sponsored by the Ag Chest, where local queens become agricultural ambassadors and provide agriculture education throughout Green County and other areas of Wisconsin.
My reign as Monroe Dairy Queen will be ending quite soon, and my crowning will be held at 6 p.m. Friday the Cars on the Square Event in Monroe. I would like to welcome anyone to come enjoy some Green County Cheese and the car show.
It all started with Wisconsin's historical roots. The early settlers who came to the Green County area took advantage of the fertile ground to start small dairy farms. These early immigrants brought with them their knowledge of dairy farming and cheesemaking. As time went on and farming technologies increased, these small farmers were able to expand and sell their cow's milk to small cheese factories. This became very popular and got passed down through generations of dairy farmers. My family, for example, has been selling milk from our dairy farm for three generations.
Like our farm, many local dairy farmers are family-owned and operated. These farms are continually expanding, buying new equipment, expanding infrastructure, buying more land, and adding more cattle to the herd. To accomplish this, these farmers need to contact their local implement dealers, agriculture construction companies, veterinarians, feed companies and more. These are all agricultural related fields that all contribute to dairy farming. Without these jobs, dairy farming would not be possible. There are approximately 21 million people in the United States who work in these agricultural-related fields.
These are just a few of the jobs that contribute to the successful running of a dairy farm to produce milk for Green County's delicious cheese. After the cows are milked on one of Green County's many dairy farms, it is stored in a bulk tank until the milk truck driver comes to receive it and deliver the milk to the cheese factory. Once at the factory, the milk is made into cheese. When the product is complete, food scientists and packaging designers are needed to finish the final cheese product. The cheese then needs to be refrigerated and transported to a retailer for purchase. All of these occupations are important ingredients to the successful production of Green County's cheese.
Overall, agriculture is very well rounded. When many individuals picture agriculture, they think of the typical farmer working away in his or her field. In reality, agriculture is a group effort that needs many diverse jobs to produce even the most delicious accomplishments, such as Green County's cheese.
Throughout this past year, I have been able to proudly serve and taste many of the delicious varieties of Green County's famous cheese. I learned a lot about the cheese industry, and am proud to come from and area with such historical cheesemaking roots. Very soon, my "cheesin' while queenin'" days will be coming to an end. On June 5, 2015, I will be passing on my title as Monroe Dairy Queen. The past year has been one to remember, and although it may have seemed hectic at times, the overall impact of my reign has been beyond imaginable.
Starting last June, my journey as a Green County Dairy Queen began with 12 other community queens. I would have a lot to learn, such as how to become mentally prepared for any question about agriculture to being able to professionally and confidently address a room full of people. I was able to meet many amazing community members along the way, and was truly able to experience the "Cheese Charm" that the city of Monroe has to offer.
All of this would not have been possible if it wasn't for the Green County Ag Chest. This particular organization was founded about 50 years ago by a group of farmers who wanted to spread agriculture education throughout Green County. The Ag Chest hosts the annual Green County Breakfast on the Farm, and also makes an appearance at a variety of community events with the famous cream puff and ice cream trailers. Being a non profit organization, the Ag Chest is able to give out numerous scholarships to local youth all throughout Green County. The Green County Dairy Queen program is also sponsored by the Ag Chest, where local queens become agricultural ambassadors and provide agriculture education throughout Green County and other areas of Wisconsin.
My reign as Monroe Dairy Queen will be ending quite soon, and my crowning will be held at 6 p.m. Friday the Cars on the Square Event in Monroe. I would like to welcome anyone to come enjoy some Green County Cheese and the car show.
