Mooooo!

While in EB for Easter weekend, we took a field trip to the dairy farm.  One of Cathy's cousin's graciously agreed to show us around the dairy farm.  He went above and beyond to make our visit exciting and educational....even for the big kids!  We were able to see a few tractors, a few cows and a lot of milk!

Payton was eager to climb up into the big combine.
He was a natural!  I think its in his blood!

Chad and Payton in the combine.

This dairy farm plants and harvest all of the corn the cows use as feed.  Dairy farmers certainly have long, busy days on the farm!

Meme and Owen checking out the "baby cows."  Owen was fascinated!

Owen was scared of the big combine but he was happy to get a chance to climb up in this tractor.
He loves tractors so this was a real treat for him!

The cows!  

We watched as the cows were called to the barn for feeding.  After they feed, they are lined up to start milking.  I had been to a dairy farm before - but, it was a long time ago, it was much smaller, and it was before I had experience with breast feeding!  Without being too graphic, I felt a certain connection with these sweet cows...and for the record, the noise of the big milking machines sounds EXACTLY like the nice Medela model I used with both boys!  Lovely, huh!?!

This cow was anxiously awaiting her turn on the milking machine!

We were able to go into the room with the cows as they were brought in, hooked up and milked.  I wasn't sure how I would feel about this. If I'm being honest, I really don't like milk and I was worried this was seal the deal.  I also have some minor food issues (if I think to much about the processing of certain foods it kinda grosses me out).  I'm happy to report that the milking process was amazing to see. I asked lots of questions and again, felt like I really understood how these cows must feel when its time for milking!!!  Two of the young boys who worked at the farm - both family members - one of them is a student in the Agriculture program at NC State - they answered SO many of my questions about organic milk and organic dairy farms, antibiotic use in cows, rules about getting milk from cows treated with antibiotics, how often the cows are milked, how much milk they get from the cows, how much food the cows eat, etc.  I asked SO many questions that I was beginning to think I missed my calling in life as a dairy farmer and an NCSU Agriculture student!!  

The milk!

Payton and Owen were right there with us as we watched the cows being milked.  They both love milk so it was interesting to hear their questions.  We watched the milking for at least 20 minutes...if not longer...and they were quiet and observing the entire time.  Owen kept pointing at the milk saying "Payton's milk!" and "Owen's milk!" 

I'm so happy that we were able to spend time doing this while in EB and I hope the boys are able to go back again in a few years when they are older and can learn even more.  If you ever get the chance to take your kids to a dairy farm - or any farm for that matter - do it!  I grew up in the country and around lots of animals.  I certainly would not say I grew up "on a farm" but I did grow up around lots of animals.  In our busy world, where most of us live in over populated areas, its easy to forget about the importance of good farms and farmers.  Without these people and these grueling jobs we wouldn't have so many of the tasty foods and drinks that we enjoy each day.  I may not like milk, but I love ice cream....so, I am thankful for dairy farmers....without them, my homemade ice cream wouldn't be same!