EMMIE BOESEHutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Dariyland building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds is a place where Kansans can learn about where their milk comes from. Dairy farming is a growing part of animal agriculture in Kansas.
Kari Hamilton works as a mobile classroom instructor for Southwest Dairy Farm. She presents live cow milking demonstrations every day at the fair.
"It is so very important to let everyone know how good milk is for you and how well the animals are taken care of," said Hamilton. "Dairy cows are very happy, healthy animals and I just like to spread the awareness about how important milk is for us."
On Tuesday morning, Hamilton did a live milking demonstration of a Jersey dairy cow named Hazel Grace Blossom. She used a milking claw. The claw works by suctioning the milk out of a cow's udder.
Hamilton said Jersey cows are milked twice in the morning and evening, and can produce 6 gallons of milk per day.
She also talked to the crowd about why milk is an essential part of a daily diet, and the features of a dairy cow. Milk from Jersey cows is best used for butter, cheese and ice cream.
"When you are getting those 3-4 servings of dairy you are giving yourself healthy blood pressure," Hamilton said to the audience. "It's good for our body in so many ways, so remember to get those 3-4 or more servings of dairy every day."
More information about dairy cattle and Southwest Dairy Farmers is available at southwestdairyfarmers.com.