United Dairy Industry of Michigan
  • Schools
    • Smoothie Blender Bike
    • Parents and Guardians
    • Milk, it’s spot on.
    • School Meals
      • School Breakfast
      • School Lunch
      • School Snacks
      • Summer Feeding
    • Dairy & School Meals
      • Food Service Equipment
      • Food Service Videos
      • Food Safety
      • School Meal Recipes
      • Hot Chocolate in School
      • Lattes in School
      • Smoothies In School
    • Fuel Up to Play 60
      • Meet Our Student Ambassadors
      • School Spotlight
      • Events
      • Resources
    • Nutrition Education
    • School Grant Programs
    • Virtual Farm Tour
  • Athletes
    • Sports Nutrition
      • CrossFit
    • Chocolate Milk
    • Team Chocolate Milk
    • Professional Athletes
    • Race Toolkit
  • Health Professionals
    • Health Professionals Continuing Education
    • Health Professionals Resources
  • Farming
    • Dairy’s Contribution to Sustainable Nutrition
    • The Journey of Milk
    • Day in the Life of a Michigan Dairy Farm Family
    • Meet Our Dairy Farm Families
      • Meet MI Farm Families
        • Farm Family Fun Facts
    • Michigan Dairy Facts
  • Food
    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Chocolate Milk
  • Nutrition
    • Lactose Intolerance
    • Dairy Nutrition Facts
  • Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Producers
    • Dairy Promotion Toolkit
      • Dairy Promotion Calendar
      • Promotion Event Examples
      • Farm Tour Resources
      • Promotional Handouts
      • Promotional Handouts Download
      • Promotional Items
      • Hear From Your Peers
    • Dairy Promotion Grant Program
      • Grant Tips
      • Grant FAQ
      • Grant Photo Examples
      • Application
    • Dairy Talk Webinars
    • United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board Mentor Program
  • Farming
    • Dairy’s Contribution to Sustainable Nutrition
    • The Journey of Milk
    • Day in the Life of a Michigan Dairy Farm Family
    • Meet Our Dairy Farm Families
      • Meet MI Farm Families
        • Farm Family Fun Facts
    • Michigan Dairy Facts
  • Food
    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Chocolate Milk
  • Nutrition
    • Lactose Intolerance
    • Dairy Nutrition Facts
  • Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • Events
  • Producers
    • Dairy Promotion Toolkit
      • Dairy Promotion Calendar
      • Promotion Event Examples
      • Farm Tour Resources
      • Promotional Handouts
      • Promotional Handouts Download
      • Promotional Items
      • Hear From Your Peers
    • Dairy Promotion Grant Program
      • Grant Tips
      • Grant FAQ
      • Grant Photo Examples
      • Application
    • Dairy Talk Webinars
    • United Dairy Industry of Michigan Board Mentor Program

Home > Milk Means More Blog > Life Lessons from the Dairy Industry

  • Check us out
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
09/26/2017

Life Lessons from the Dairy Industry

Milk Means More  |  2 Comments  |  Farm Chores
Life lessons learned from the dairy industry extend beyond the farm

Although I did not grow up on a dairy farm, I have had the opportunity to be immersed in the industry in the past few years through showing dairy steers and feeders, a male calf less than a year old, at fair, learning from friends, and attending several dairy events. I have learned a lot from these experiences throughout the years and would like to share the three most important things I’ve learned.

Life lessons learned from the dairy industry extend beyond the farm

  1. Be a happy loser and a humble winner
    There will be times where you are number one and there will be times that you are dead last. This shows to be true especially at fair. You may have worked your whole summer walking and training your steer, and, when comes fair time, win Grand Champion. There will also be times you spend your whole summer on your project and come up dead last. Regardless, it’s important to congratulate the winner or thank those congratulating you for wining. Maybe one of your colleagues got the scholarship you worked so hard to apply for, it’s still important to be happy for them and know your own time will come in the future, but, for now, be happy for someone else’s success.
  1. Someone is always watching you
    While showing dairy steers at fair, I learned that the judge is always watching you even when you’re not looking. They see when you go out of your way to help your competition because their animal is acting up or dropped their comb. They also see when you ignore an opportunity to help or are rude to a fellow showman. The crowd is always watching you as well, and in that crowd could be future buyers, co-workers or even employers. People also take note of how you act outside of the show ring. Are you congratulating the grand champion even though you spent all summer working hard to win? Are you helping a new member learn the ropes of fair? This attitude carries in to the work place as well. Your co-workers and bosses notice when you go out of your way to help someone and if you have a positive attitude with everyone.

Life lessons learned from the dairy industry

  1. Keep your priorities straight
    A cow’s health and overall wellbeing comes before anything else. I’ve never seen farmers more dedicated than the ones we are fortunate to have here in Michigan. I learned growing up that if the pen needed to be cleaned, then that should be my number one priority. Same with being at fair. It was important to get my animals out at least twice a day even when our show day and sale day were over. Although a walk down the midway with friends may be more fun, these animals were my responsibility, and therefore my number one priority. Dairy farmers may want to sleep in on a Saturday morning or take a Friday night off but rarely do because there will always be cows to milk or calves to feed. Being responsible and keeping your priorities straight are extremely important to be successful in this industry and really just life in general.

I’ve learned quite a few life lessons in the past few years thanks to the dairy industry. These are lessons that have truly shaped me to the be the person I am today and will stick with me for the rest for my life. I hope that everyone has the opportunity to get a taste of the industry to meet the hard-working dedicated farmers that make it so amazing.

 

Julia Chamberlain is going into her senior year at Michigan State University pursuing a bachelor’s in agribusiness management with a minor in sales. She is Vice President of her Sorority, Sigma Alpha, and Director of MSU’s National Agri-Makreting Association. She is also a 2017 Dairy Ambassador. Julia found her passion for dairy after spending several years showing dairy feeders and steers at the Ingham County Fair and working for the MSU Dairy Teach and Research Facility. After graduation, she hopes to go into the dairy industry and focus on milk marketing and promoting all things dairy!

Milk Means More
About the author

The professional team from Milk Means More created this information for your learning pleasure. Dietitians, farmers, teachers, writers, designers - all work together to bring you up-to-date dairy information!

Comments (2)
  • Gandpa Tim says:
    Sep 26, 2017

    Great article!!!

    Reply
  • Brian Grogitsky says:
    Sep 27, 2017

    Very good article, the way these fairs show dignity and respect toward others and the animals being shown, I wish this was mandatory for all kids growing up. Julia has a bright future ahead of her in the industry.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Tweets by MilkMeansMore

@MilkMeansMore on Instagram

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 21

Open
Passionate. Steadfast. Innovative. Amy Verhelle-Smith, Food Service Director at Fowlerville Community Schools said her team has been incredibly flexible and committed to nourishing their students and community throughout the pandemic. While many families have opted for their students to learn in-person, the team in Fowlerville continues to serve remote learners with to-go meals every Friday, providing five days of meals to students. 🔗 to the full story in bio. Stay tuned for more stories on food service programs that continue to provide comforting, consistent and nutritious meals to students. To learn more about the #MiFoodHeroes project, visit the 🔗 in our bio. ❤️: Fowlerville Community Schools 📸: Raj Mehta, Emily Rose Chene & Jordan Hay #MiEducation #UndeniablyDairy #MilkMeansMore
302 2

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 20

Open
We're going cocoa-nuts for this S'mores Hot Chocolate recipe! Best enjoyed around a warm fire. Link to recipe in bio. 🔥☕️ #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
278 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 18

Open
Catch our friend @jennywiththegoodeats on @foodnetwork’s Supermarket Stakeout tomorrow night at 10pm EST! 🛒🥛 #RG @jennywiththegoodeats Second chances are everything when there’s so much at stake 🔥⁣ ⁣ Catch me on Supermarket Stakeout with @guarnaschelli next Tuesday, January 19th at 10pm EST/9pm Central on @foodnetwork 🛒⁣ ⁣ #comebackkid #jennywiththegoodeats
276 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 17

Open
We're oat a loss of words with this one! 😋🥛 Warm up with a nutrient-rich bowl of oatmeal with #realmilk this #NationalOatmealMonth. Make it a masterpiece by topping with ricotta, honey and figs!
273 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 16

Open
Homecooked meals on cold winter days can be healthy AND comforting! Click the link in our bio to see Culinary Dietitian and former Food Network host Ellie Krieger's (@ellie_krieger) favorite one-pan dairy recipes.
268 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 15

Open
Train 💪 Refuel 💪 Win 💪 Repeat With a 3:1 carb to protein ratio, low-fat chocolate milk helps World Champion Snowboarder Jake Vedder (@Jake_Vedder) refuel after every training session.
286 4

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 14

Open
#RealWorks means no excuses and hard work. Don’t just make resolutions this year, beat them. Recover from tough workouts with low-fat chocolate milk to keep pushing towards your goals. #NewYearsResolutions #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
267 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 13

Open
To say this school year came with challenges is an understatement. Without a crystal ball to forecast what the next week, day, or even hour could bring, Saline Area Schools’ food service staff stayed focused with one goal in mind – keep students fed any way they could. “I’m most proud of how we have come together to do things we’ve never done before,” says Lawrence D’Andrea, Director of Dining Services for Saline Area Schools. 🔗 to the full story in bio. Stay tuned for more stories on food service programs that continue to provide comforting, consistent and nutritious meals to students. To learn more about the #MiFoodHeroes project, visit the 🔗 in our bio. ❤️: @saline_hs @salineschools 📸: Raj Mehta, Emily Rose Chene & Jordan Hay #MiEducation #UndeniablyDairy #MilkMeansMore
293 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 12

Open
Put the "moo" in your #sMOOthies by combining yogurt, milk and other wholesome ingredients that will power you through the day! Recipe + 📸: @jennywiththegoodeats #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #NewYearsResolutions
279 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 11

Open
Happy #NationalMilkDay! #GotMilk? ❤️🥛
295 2

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 8

Open
Ever in the #dairy aisle and wonder - do I need whipping cream or heavy cream? What’s the difference between butter and cultured butter? 🧈🥛 Get the scoop on dairy products on our blog! 🔗 in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #dairydifferences #cooking #cookingwithdairy
283 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 7

Open
#DYK dairy farmers keep calves udderly warm with jackets during frigid Michigan winters? ❄️🐄 #RG @kipsiegler_farming During the winter months in Michigan it gets cold! So, when I put on a heavier jacket, I put one on our baby calves as well! @milkmeansmore #seedingwithsieglers #undeniablydairy #gotmilk
312 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 6

Open
We are only a few days away from celebrating National Milk Day with farmer Ashley at Sheridan Dairy Farm! Join us this Monday, January 11th, at 1 p.m. ET for a Virtual Farm Tour! 🐄💻 The tour will be streamed LIVE on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel the day of! 🔗 in bio. TEACHERS - register your classroom to attend ahead of time, 🔗 to the registration page in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #VFT #VirtualLearning #RemoteLearning
281 0

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 5

Open
Happy #NationalWhippedCreamDay! 🐄😋 Only 3 ingredients are needed to make this yummy treat, recipe on our story! #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
285 1

milkmeansmore

View

Jan 5

Open
We are excited to announce our final Home Fridge Advantage winner – Congratulations to Brenda from Wyoming, MI! Brenda’s daughter Tiffany nominated her because she takes care of everyone in the family despite her own hardships. Brenda has always used second-hand refrigerators and is currently without a refrigerator at all. She has been using coolers to keep food cold while waiting to find an affordable refrigerator. Brenda’s wait is over, because she is getting a new refrigerator, a $500 grocery gift card and $500 cash to fill it with #UndeniablyDairy and groceries, courtesy of Michigan’s dairy farmers, the @DetroitLions and @Kroger. Brenda selected Wyoming Elementary School, where her granddaughter attends, and the Family Network of Wyoming, which has a food pantry, for her “Forward Pass.”
295 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 31

Open
Toast in the new year with a Warm Chocolate Raspberry Milk-tini! 🍸🥛 Recipe in bio.
266 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 29

Open
With protein to build, carbs to fuel and nutrient-packed, it's no wonder why low-fat chocolate milk is a power play for Justin Abdelkader (@justinabdelkader8). #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #hockey #michigan
292 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 25

Open
#HappyHolidays from Michigan's dairy farmers! 🥛⛄
268 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 24

Open
Eggnog is all that it’s cracked up to be! 🥚🥛 Celebrate #NationalEggnogDay with this holiday classic as a latte, recipe in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #eggnog #holidaydrink
273 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 23

Open
We are excited to announce our seventh Home Fridge Advantage Winner – Congratulations to Danielle from Dodgeville. This Yooper was nominated by her sister Ashlyn, who admires Danielle for optimistically managing the struggles and the pandemic while pregnant with her 4th child. She will receive a new refrigerator, $500 Kroger gift card and $500 cash to fill it with #UndeniablyDairy and groceries! Courtesy of Michigan's dairy farmers, the @detroitlionsnfl and @kroger. The two selected Houghton Elementary School, where their kids attend, for their “Forward Pass.” The school will be replacing their 29-year old cooler to make sure students have ice cold milk every day. #UndeniablyDairy #HFA #HomeFridgeAdvantage
300 2

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 20

Open
Unwrap nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein all found in #realmilk this holiday season. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #holidayseason
283 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 18

Open
Love chocolate? Peppermint? Gingerbread? Visit our blog for dairy-inspired #holidayrecipes you're sure to love. Link in bio.
270 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 15

Open
Some #calves born during frigid Michigan winter days need a little extra TLC. ❄️🐄 Dairy farmers keep these newborns warm by using washable jackets that act as an extra layer or "winter coat," ensuring they are comfortable! #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #cowcomfort #michigandairyfarming
300 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 15

Open
These Melted Ice Cream Tiramisu Cookies are @goboldwithbutter's 2020 Holiday Cookie Recipe Contest winner and truly #UndeniablyDairy! With melted ice cream 🍨, heavy cream 🥛, mascarpone cheese 🧀 and real butter 🧈 they are the ultimate dairy-filled treat. ➡️ Head to their page for the recipe. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #HolidayRecipes
275 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 13

Open
Nothing screams holiday cheer more than this Spiked Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate on #NationalCocoaDay! 🍬☕ Link to recipe in bio. 📸 + Recipe: @chefnextdoor #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
283 2

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 10

Open
We are excited to announce our next Home Fridge Advantage Winner – Congratulations to Ameenah from Highland Park who was nominated by her mother Adeeba. Ameenah is a part-time University of Detroit Mercy nursing student and is expecting her first child. She also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant earlier this year at a local nursing home, caring for those isolated and battling COVID-19. Unfortunately her refrigerator leaks water and no longer keeps food at a safe temperature, much of it spoiling quickly. “I nominated Ameenah because she always cares for others and it is her turn to receive help,” said Adeeba. She will receive a new refrigerator, $500 Kroger gift card and $500 cash to fill it with #UndeniablyDairy and groceries! Courtesy of Michigan's dairy farmers, the @detroitlionsnfl and @kroger. Ameenah completed her “Forward Pass,” granting Destined for Greatness Mentoring $2000 to purchase equipment that will allow them to provide more nutrient-rich milk to young women in the City of Detroit.
294 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 8

Open
It's BRIE-ginning to look a lot like Christmas! ❄️ This baked brie recipe is sure to be a holiday hit. Pair with warm baguette, fig crackers or fruit. Wondering how brie is made? Take a tour of Old Europe Cheese with @jennywiththegoodeats to see how Michigan milk is made into award-winning, creamy cheese. ⚪🥛 🔗 to recipe and tour in bio. 📸 + Recipe: @foxeslovelemons #UndeniablyDairy #MilkMeansMore #cheese #brie #holidayrecipes #appetizers
278 1

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 7

Open
Professional snowboarder Jake Vedder (@JakeVedder) conquers steep slopes with strong bones made by fueling with low-fat chocolate milk. 💪🥛 @ConquerWithMilk #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy
284 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 6

Open
You don't have to give up this holiday tradition! 🍪 Tips on how to host a #virtual cookie exchange on the blog, 🔗 in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #milk #holidaycookies #cookieexchange
272 0

milkmeansmore

View

Dec 4

Open
Happy #NationalCookieDay! Add yourself to the nice list by pairing #realmilk with these tasty treats. 🥛🍪 🔗 to recipe in bio. #MilkMeansMore #UndeniablyDairy #cookies #holidaycookies
262 0
FOLLOW US
Milk Means More logo
2163 Jolly Road
Okemos, Michigan 48864 517-349-8923

Receive nutrition tips, dairy fun facts, fresh recipes and more delivered to your inbox!

  • Dairy Farming
  • Dairy Food
  • Dairy Nutrition
  • Recipes
  • News
  • Blog
  • Dairy Producers
  • Events
  • For Schools
  • For Athletes
  • For Health Professionals
  • About UDIM
  • Contact

© 2021 UDIM. All Rights Reserved.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy