Cows, Antibiotics, and You

Raise your hand if you want to serve your family milk and dairy foods that contain antibiotic residues.

Yeah, I didn't raise my hand either.

The subject of on-farm antibiotic use has been coming up a lot in conversations lately. People want to know how it affects food quality and safety, as well as the possible long-term resistance issues that could be associated with their use. As a farmer and food provider, I have a responsibility to both my cows and my customers. The judicious use of antibiotics helps keep my cows healthy, and our quality-control procedures ensure that all of the milk that leaves our farm is safe, wholesome, and residue-free.

I recently wrote a blog post for the Food Dialogues website explaining the steps we take on our farm to strike the balance between herd health and food safety. As you read through it, I hope it clears up some questions you might have about our farm practices and the dairy products you buy.

2013 Milk Mustache Contest

It's that time of year again...time for our annual Milk Mustache Contest! Last year we received more milk mustache photos than ever before, and we hope you will send in even more this year. To enter, take a photo of you or your child proudly and prominently displaying a milk mustache and either post it to our Facebook page or email it to " gilmerdairy [at] gmail [dot] com ". Be sure you include the first name, age, and home state of the person in the photo!

All entries must be received by Saturday, June 8. Filtered photographs such as Instagram will be accepted, but please do not add special effects or text to the picture. Originality, "cuteness", and milk mustache visibility will be considered during the selection of finalists. We will announce the finalists on June 10 and allow our Facebook fans to vote for their favorite milk mustache photo. Depending on the number of entries, we may also include a semifinal round of voting to select two finalists. The winner will receive a prize and be highlighted as part of our celebration of June Dairy Month.

In years past, we've had winners all the way from North Dakota to south Mississippi. This year, it might just be you...but only if you enter! So grab your camera and a glass of milk, say "CHEESE!!!", and help us celebrate June Dairy Month by entering our annual Milk Mustache Contest!