By Darren Turley
TAD Executive Director
With so few state legislators these days having any sort of background or direct experience in agriculture, the Texas Association of Dairymen spends a lot of time on dairy education before we can even begin discussing policy matters.
We recently got some assistance with that education from “Zoee,” a jersey who makes the rounds in Central and South Texas as part of her duties with the Southwest Dairy Farmers’ mobile dairy classroom. TAD brought the mobile classroom to Austin in March, where it parked right in front of the Capitol to give legislators and staff the chance to meet an actual dairy cow – many for the first time – and learn how milk is produced.
Three TAD board member dairy farmers traveled to Austin for the event and, along with the mobile dairy classroom’s Steven Branecky, who accompanies Zoee, visited with staffers and answered their many questions. Branecky also held a milking demonstration.
More than 200 staffers came out to see Zoee. Many petted her and took pictures with her, and several were present for the milking demonstration. Even though I knew many had never been around a cow before, I was still surprised at how excited they were.
We take for granted the dairy life centered around cows and agriculture. This event wasn’t just educational for those at the Capitol – it was a reminder to me that it’s more important than ever that TAD and other dairy farmers and families advocate for the dairy industry. Tell your story in some way, because there are so many people that want to know so much more about our dynamic industry.
Whether you are posting on social media or visiting in your community, you are a dairy advocate. Take pride in your operation and your industry and share your dairy knowledge – you will be surprised at how many people are interested and will be impressed with your story.
The Texas Association of Dairymen takes pride in telling the story of this vibrant industry that provides our state and beyond with the most nutritious product – milk!
