HOT PURSUIT
As I was covering the Steele County Dairy Association’s annual banquet on Saturday afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised when I learned I was on the receiving end of a special award given out.
It’s called the Milk Pitcher Award and given out to someone who helps promote the dairy industry in Steele County. Rick Balzer of Medford made the presentation by highlighting some of the extra things we do to elevate the dairy industry’s prominence throughout the area.
In accepting the award from Rick, I told him, “I’m supposed to be covering the news, not making the news.”
In all sincerity, I am humbled to receive this award from a group of hard-working dairy farmers and others who work tirelessly to promote an industry that pretty much touches everyone in some way, shape or form. Let’s face it, most of us love dairy products. For me, it’s all about the milk and cheese. I love sampling many different types of cheese.
But what turns my crank more than anything is helping to promote such an important industry. While it’s sad to see how the dairy industry has shriveled up in recent years, it’s important to continue supporting the 12 dairy farms left in the county that are still producing milk.
A few years ago, our newspaper began a weekly campaign promoting the American Dairy Association with information about dairy and trivia questions. Readers get the opportunity to interact through the print edition or social media by answering trivia questions and winning prizes like gift cards to local restaurants or the ADA’s malt stands and signature event, Breakfast on the Farm. This section has been wildly popular and continues to grow.
In June, we will be publishing our annual June Dairy Month farm publication featuring the dairy industry. And, of course, we cover various dairy activities throughout the year because it’s such an important staple in the fabric of our community.
What impresses me the most is the dedication of the Steele County ADA group, which has now been in existence for 73 years. You wouldn’t know the number of dairy farms has dwindled by looking at the promotion and support this group gets in Steele County. The ADA board features existing dairy farmers, retired farmers and others just simply interested in volunteering with the organization.
For example, this year’s dairy royalty swelled to eight princesses, the most I can remember. On top of that, there are 28 junior dairy ambassadors in grades 4-11 and another nine Dukes and Duchesses in grades K-3.
And, of course, the biggest dairy event is right around the corner. Breakfast on the Farm will be Saturday, June 6 at the Jon and Kim Schmidt farm by Owatonna. The ADA is switching things up this year by featuring Jay and Jamie Klemmensen of Blooming Prairie’s Dairy Queen with a full pancake meal. For years the group has offered waffles.
I not only love milk products, but I love to see the passion that radiates from the ADA board members. I hope others will go in hot pursuit of supporting the ADA in the coming months with its malt stands and breakfast event.