The Mobile Dairy Classroom Program

Teaching kids about the dairy industry is one of the priorities of the Mobile Dairy Classroom Program. The Mobile Dairy Classroom is a traveling milking parlor, featuring a live cow (Daisy) and an oral presentation. Ms. Griffith, trained instructor, demonstrated how to milk a cow, described how milk goes from the farm to the consumer, and then answered questions from the audience. This innovative program brought the dairy experience directly to our children. Our children and teachers were able to share an experience that included math, science, health (nutrition), and agriculture in an outdoor classroom setting. Students learned the characteristics and anatomy of dairy cows, the importance of dairy foods for good health, the modern milking process, and modern environmental and food safety practices.

Ten "Awesome" facts that all students learned about cows, dairy products, nutrition, and more during the presentation:

(1)In America, Hoisteins and Jersey cows are the two types of milk cows that are used "most" of the time for milk. Hoisteins are the black and white cows and are used because they give a lot of milk. Jerseys are the brown cows that give less milk but more cream.
(2)Most cows have short hair and come in a variety of colors.
(3)Cows have big toenails called hooves and long tails that they can use to swat pesky flies.
(4)Cows have very large eyes and a long tongue.
(5)Cows do not sweat!
(6)Cows drink about a bathtub full of water everyday.
(7)Cows are mammals.
(8)Cows eat about 90 pounds of nutritious food a day which is equal to about 210 baked potatoes.
(9)One cow will produce about 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.
(10)As children grow, they need calcium for continued growth and development of bones and teeth. Calcium also helps muscles like the heart function properly, and keeps the blood from clotting.