The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, launched a NEW “Family Resources” addition to their popular dairy-themed website for all ages to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.

“Whether you are looking for a fun virtual farm tour, a new educational activity, or a delicious dairy recipe or craft, we are excited to showcase our world-class dairy industry and offer new opportunities during this challenging time for everyone. We’ve compiled so many wonderful entertaining dairy opportunities for all ages to enjoy, including many from our dairy farmers who are busy producing fresh, local milk to deliver to our families during this critical time in our country,” says PA Dairymen’s Executive Director Dave Smith.

Visit www.Padairymens.com and go to the new “Family Resources” tab to select the dairy activity of your choice:

• Discover Dairy – Brings the farm to you through this interactive cross-curricular, multi-level lesson series that meets Pennsylvania state education standards and anchors for science, math and reading, STEM.
• Virtual Learning Library for elementary and middle school teachers and students.
• Farm Life – A Virtual Experience – Where visitors can visit a dairy farm or meet a dairy farmer to learn more about farm life.
• Free educational games, children’s books, and songs, arts, crafts, experiments, family and kids’ friendly recipes and more.
• The Calving Corner – Highlights the live dairy cow birthing center at the PA Farm Show, where dairy farm families share life on the farm videos.
• American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) – Offers “Farm Fun” with dairy farm tours and activities.

Over the past several weeks, “Dairyman Dave” has been sharing more frequent updates from his family farm with followers and milkshake fans on social media, since it’s where people are turning for news, activities and entertainment, given the current social distancing measures in place. To hear Dave’s video message about the NEW resources, go to PA Dairymen’s Association YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEYnzY1L-nU

His messages and those of his fellow farmers have been:

• Farmers continue to milk their cows and produce assorted safe, high quality, fresh dairy foods for families.
• Farmers are working hard to supply grocery store shelves with their locally produced, nutritious milk during these unprecedented times and to meet consumer demands.
• Now more than ever, we should appreciate all of our critical workers such as healthcare professionals, our farmers, grocery stores, truck drivers and others who are essential to the production, delivery and access to fresh milk and dairy products to families.
• Support is vital for our charitable food system during these challenging times through “Fill A Glass With Hope” and through “Feeding Pennsylvania” and “Feeding America” Food Banks and beyond.

DAIRY-DELICIOUS FACTS:

• Milk is the official beverage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Pennsylvania is home to more than 6,200 dairy farm families.
• Dairy contributes to $12.6 billion in annual revenue for Pennsylvania.
• One 8-ounce serving of whole milk delivers 9 essential nutrients including 8 grams of protein.
• A glass of milk contains three of the four nutrients the USDA says are under-consumed by most Americans—calcium, vitamin D and potassium.
• According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, individuals ages 9 and older should consume three servings of milk, cheese or yogurt each day; those ages 4-8 should consume 2½ cups per day.
• Every one cow supports $24,000 in annual economic revenue in Pa.
• Every 10 cows support one job in the state.

About Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association:

The Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association is the oldest dairy group in Pennsylvania. The Dairymen’s Milkshake is the top-selling food item at the Food Court. The Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association has been supporting "Fill a Glass with Hope®" with agriculture partners, Feeding PA, American Dairy Association North East, corporate partners and food banks since 2015. Over the past three years, the PA Dairymen have donated more than $1.4 million to programs including The Calving Corner; agricultural and educational projects; initiatives and scholarships; the Fill A Glass with Hope® fresh milk campaign for neighbors in need; the Choose PA Dairy consumer education and awareness campaign; the PA Farm Bureau Mobile Ag Education Lab that travels to schools; and the PA Dairy Princess and Promotion Program. Their philanthropic efforts build a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians. For more information, visit www.padairymens.com.