On June 28, the Hoard's Dairyman Farm served as host to 15 United States Embassy representatives, all from different countries, looking to experience what American agriculture has to offer. The representatives work in U.S. Embassy libraries and information centers around the globe. Their responsibilities include supplying information about the U.S. to their countrymen, which is why it is so important for them to have an understanding of one of America's most vital industries. "The more confident they are about the U.S., the more capable they are to represent the U.S.," said Wendy Simmons, Department of State representative.
Simmons accompanied the group on their tour, which was arranged by the International Institute of Wisconsin. In touring the farm, the group hoped to gain an appreciation for the Midwest. "All of them felt so privileged because most people who come on these programs don't get to see a dairy farm," Simmons said. She also shared that it is important for the representatives to understand what our economy is based on, and to understand the basis of Wisconsin is to see a dairy farm.
The Hoard's Dairyman Farm is just one example of the many dynamic farms in Wisconsin. What makes this farm unique is its association with the Hoard's Dairyman magazine and tours led by the editors. "The fact that the Hoard's staff had degrees in agriculture and had such a knowledge and love for dairying made an impression," Simmons said.
Simmons felt that the visit accomplished its goal. The 15 U.S. Embassy representatives now have a better understanding of dairying and American agriculture, along with an appreciation for hard working American farmers.
The author is the 25th Hoard's Dairyman editorial intern. She will be a senior at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. At Cal Poly, Taylor is majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communications minor. Pires grew up on a 500-cow dairy in Merced County, Calif.
