We take for granted where our nutritional and wholesome dairy products come from —our local dairy farmers. If we think about all the struggles that they endure day in and day out, and all the hardships, then we know why they are so thankful for their successes. 


They wake early before the sun even rises to start their day in the rain or the heat of summer, or the snow and the cold of winter. I bet that they are thankful for the days that are just perfect weather. Most times their days are finished way after the sun has set. That's what you call commitment.


There is always something happening — either machines and equipment breaking and in need of repair, or the birth of new herd members, cleaning barns, feeding the girls (there are only momma moos and no daddy moos on a dairy farm, my sister would say when she was 4), herd checks, hoof trims, caring for sick cows, washing and sanitizing the milking equipment including the cows to ensure the safest and most wholesome dairy product that they can produce. But it doesn't end there.


We as a community have a lot to be thankful for — our families, our homes and our health, and the farmer for when all the wrong things start going right and our local dairy farmers who are so steadfast and committed to their cows, our environment and to the production of a nutritional and safe dairy product that they hold near and dear to their hearts.


So the next time you see a farmer getting his fields ready to plant or to start the harvest, or when you see them bringing in the girls from pasture or at the vets to pick up medicine, may it serve as a reminder to us to be thankful to all those hard working, under paid and underappreciated folks who have made it their life's work to bring us a nutritional and wholesome product. 


So please join me, Cheyenne Saumier, your 2012 Somerset County Dairy Princess, in thanking all those hard working dairy men and women for all their time and dedication to "Milk, it does a Body Good."




Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes


Makes 8 servings


8 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chunked or 5 cups packaged mashed potatoes