When you open this magazine, I’ll be three grilled cheeses and four chocolate shakes past my limit as I fuel myself for my favorite week of the year. 

As summer fades into fall, the familiar rhythm of the school year begins anew. For dairy farming families, this transition brings unique challenges. Balancing the demands of a busy farm with the back-to-school season requires careful planning, time management and a focus on family activities. Here are some ideas that may help your family navigate this busy time of year.

A silent conversation is continuously ongoing in our minds. Like a faucet left just barely on, we may not even notice it. It’s always happening. Whether checking cows early in the morning or relaxing in the recliner at the end of the day, your mind is filling in the rest of this statement: “I am …”

Ah, the lazy dog days of summer are upon us. But wait, if you have a dog in the fight when it comes to milk paid based on a Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO), now is not the time to be lazy.

July is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is perfect, and it’s hard to beat that carefree summertime feeling.

As winter retreated this year, my 5-year-old son made a peculiar observation as we drove through the countryside on our way into town. He said, “Look at all the crops growing in the fields. I don’t remember seeing a planting tractor though.”

As June approaches, dairy producers and the dairy industry gear up for a monthlong celebration of all things dairy. June Dairy Month, a tradition dating back to 1937, continues to honor the contributions of dairy farmers, the delicious products they produce and the vital role dairy plays in our daily lives.

If I had stopped learning after my first or second time, then I would never have been rewarded with a loaf of bread that was both tasty and not terrible to look at. Dairies are no different.

Last month, I followed the news story of a mystery illness that was later identified as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected for the first time ever in dairy cattle. I wanted to take this opportunity to point out the collaboration that took place from the farm level to a national scale in addressing this animal health issue.