Everybody Needs Milk

“Milk. It does a body good” That is just one Milk ad I remember. There were many over the years that touted the benefits of drinking milk.

I like the 2 percent variety, but whole milk is best for kids. I drink 2 gallons a week, and we did 4+ when our two boys were here. My wife Bonnie doesn’t even drink it!

I would pay $10 dollars a gallon for it if I had to (hope I never have to).

I’ve never had a broken bone in my life. I’m 62 and believe me, these bones have been hit hard a few times. Milk also gives most drinkers healthy teeth and skin.

Bill to bring milk back

In a press release, state Rep. Clint Owlett (R. Tioga/Potter) applauded the House Agriculture Committee for its approval of his legislation to get whole milk back in schools.

“This bill paves the way for getting whole and flavored milks – milks that our kids will actually drink instead of throwing in the trash – back in our schools. It’s a win-win for our dairy farmers and our kids who will benefit from the high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D and other valuable nutrients they can only get from dairy milk.”

Since 2010, Pennsylvania has lost 2,140 dairy farms. The state has gone from ranking fifth in the nation in production to eighth. This decrease is believed to be a result of the installation of the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010,” which only allowed nonfat flavored milk or 1 percent white milk.

House Bill 2347, which Owlett is sponsoring along with Rep. John Lawrence (R. Chester/Lancaster), would authorize the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

The press release states the following: “The secretary of Education would be required to notify schools of the act and within two years issue a report to the General Assembly outlining the number of schools electing to offer Pennsylvania milk, approximate consumption rates and actions taken by the Commonwealth to promote the availability of whole and reduced fat milk.

Finally, the bill also would require the attorney general to bring a civil action against the federal government to recover funds withheld from schools taking action under this act. The measure would expire if amendments to or repeals of federal laws result in the availability of whole or reduced fat (2 percent) milk in the state’s schools.”

Frederick Farms

I interviewed Mark Frederick Jr. of Frederick Farms in the Cove. Frederick is a fourth generation dairy farmer.

What is the hardest part about dairy farming?

“Every day is hard,” Frederick said. “Something always needs fixing or attended to. It’s a hard life.”

However, Frederick had a smile on his face as he talked about his family: wife Megan; sons Trent and Jack, who are toddlers now, but help Dad just the same; and daughter Brooke.

“I’m really busy and sometimes I don’t get to see as much as I’d like to, but they are right here on the farm for me to see anytime,” Frederick said.

Everyone knows farming is tough a tough life, but I felt good knowing Frederick Farms will be in operation well into the next century.

Vet bills run about $2,000 a month for Frederick. Fertilizer went from about $6,500 a year to over $16,000. Grain is also skyrocketing in cost, according to Frederick.

Frederick is a class 1 Ritchey’s Dairy provider so his milk reaches you in a couple days from cow to your glass.

I hope this sheds a little light on the dairy industry here in the Cove. I will close by saying I feel bad for anyone who can’t drink milk. It really is great to enjoy any time.

Parents, get your kids into drinking milk and buy local dairy products that come from right here in Morrisons Cove to support our hardworking farmers.

Editor’s Note: Diehl is an employee of the Herald.