Fellow readers, it is time that the truth comes out. There are 13 Green County Dairy Queens in the area, but we have been stealing all of the fame and glory. It is true, the real queens of Green County are the famous dairy cows. In fact, Wisconsin has a lot of these "queens of dairy" with more than 1,271,000 dairy cows throughout the state. But what makes these cows so royal?
It all starts once a heifer calf is born. From the beginning, the calf feeder will spend numerous hours feeding, bedding and ensuring the well-being of the promising heifer calves. Bull calves have the same experience when they are young, but just have a different destiny once they are older. These caretakers often play the role as the calf feeder, teacher, as well as doctor. The people in charge of raising the calves on a dairy farm go out of their way to ensure that young heifer calves stay warm in the winter and cool in the hot summers. They give the calves an endless supply of food and water, and are the first ones to notice when a calf is not feeling well just by their eating and drinking habits.
As these heifer calves get older, they are moved together into larger pens with other calves around the same age. These "queens of dairy" then make companions at this young age that will often be held throughout their lifetime. Cattle tend to do better with "buddies," so it is also important to try and formulate a group of calves that will remain together throughout their development. Even on my family's dairy farm, it is not very surprising to see a set of twin heifers standing next to each other every day in the barn.
As the heifers grow older, they are continually getting the royal treatment of fresh feed, clean bedding and lots of attention from the vet. Eventually, the heifer will breed, have her first calf and begin milking as a cow. This is when the royal treatment really begins. Wisconsin "queen of dairy" cows are top priority of dairy farmers. The first thing dairy farmers in Wisconsin do early every morning is to go milk their cows. They also spend numerous hours preparing feed for them, providing them with fresh bedding and making sure the veterinarian is close by to give the cows regular checkups.
Overall, it is clear who the real queens of Green County are: the dairy cows. These animals are what makes up a large majority of Wisconsin's economy, and for that many people are very grateful. Without these "queens of dairy" there would be no cheese, ice cream, or any other delicious dairy products. Even though Green County is blessed to have 13 amazing dairy queens to promote Wisconsin Agriculture, it is important to remember that the four-legged milk producing animals are the ones who really deserve a crown.
Soon, Green County's current dairy queens will be passing down their crowns to new candidates. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a 2015-16 Green County Dairy Queen, please feel free to contact me for more information. My email is emmapeterson@monroe.k12.wi.us or visit greencountyagchest.com for more information. Candidates are highly recommended to come to the April 27 and May 11 Ag Chest meetings. Being the Monroe Dairy Queen has been an awesome experience for myself personally, and I highly recommend anyone who is interested to apply for one of the local dairy queen positions.
Resources: www.wmmb.com/assets/images/pdf/WisconsinDairyData.pdf
It all starts once a heifer calf is born. From the beginning, the calf feeder will spend numerous hours feeding, bedding and ensuring the well-being of the promising heifer calves. Bull calves have the same experience when they are young, but just have a different destiny once they are older. These caretakers often play the role as the calf feeder, teacher, as well as doctor. The people in charge of raising the calves on a dairy farm go out of their way to ensure that young heifer calves stay warm in the winter and cool in the hot summers. They give the calves an endless supply of food and water, and are the first ones to notice when a calf is not feeling well just by their eating and drinking habits.
As these heifer calves get older, they are moved together into larger pens with other calves around the same age. These "queens of dairy" then make companions at this young age that will often be held throughout their lifetime. Cattle tend to do better with "buddies," so it is also important to try and formulate a group of calves that will remain together throughout their development. Even on my family's dairy farm, it is not very surprising to see a set of twin heifers standing next to each other every day in the barn.
As the heifers grow older, they are continually getting the royal treatment of fresh feed, clean bedding and lots of attention from the vet. Eventually, the heifer will breed, have her first calf and begin milking as a cow. This is when the royal treatment really begins. Wisconsin "queen of dairy" cows are top priority of dairy farmers. The first thing dairy farmers in Wisconsin do early every morning is to go milk their cows. They also spend numerous hours preparing feed for them, providing them with fresh bedding and making sure the veterinarian is close by to give the cows regular checkups.
Overall, it is clear who the real queens of Green County are: the dairy cows. These animals are what makes up a large majority of Wisconsin's economy, and for that many people are very grateful. Without these "queens of dairy" there would be no cheese, ice cream, or any other delicious dairy products. Even though Green County is blessed to have 13 amazing dairy queens to promote Wisconsin Agriculture, it is important to remember that the four-legged milk producing animals are the ones who really deserve a crown.
Soon, Green County's current dairy queens will be passing down their crowns to new candidates. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a 2015-16 Green County Dairy Queen, please feel free to contact me for more information. My email is emmapeterson@monroe.k12.wi.us or visit greencountyagchest.com for more information. Candidates are highly recommended to come to the April 27 and May 11 Ag Chest meetings. Being the Monroe Dairy Queen has been an awesome experience for myself personally, and I highly recommend anyone who is interested to apply for one of the local dairy queen positions.
Resources: www.wmmb.com/assets/images/pdf/WisconsinDairyData.pdf
