Jonathan Gates reports from Howmars Farm in Franklin, Vermont. Howmars is a certified organic dairy farm, one of many Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative farmer members who supply the milk that goes into making Stonyfield's yogurts and smoothies. The entire family pitches in on this third-generation farm. Jonathan and his father, Howard, converted the farm from conventional dairy farming to organic 9 years ago. Meet Jonathan. He farms with his wife Karen, sons Benjamin, Justin, and Noah, and Jonathan's parents, Howard and Mary.
Though winter temperatures at Howmars Farm up near the Canadian border haven't been too bad, there was a really cold spell for about a week back in early January. In this video from the farm, Jonathan demonstrates the milking routine he does every morning and every afternoon. On this particular morning, the outside temperature was 15 below zero. The somewhat roaring sound you hear in the background is the kerosene heater used to heat the milking parlor when temperatures dip. The cows never seem to mind. They munch happily as the milking machines and Jonathan do the work. Cows are milked three at a time and while they're milking, another three come in to the other side of the milking parlor and Jonathan swings all the equipment to the opposite side.
To play the video, press the arrow in the center of the screen.
--Jonathan (left), Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont
ABOUT THE BOVINE BUGLE Look for more "Moo-vie" news here on the Bovine Bugle next Monday.
If you wish to subscribe, send an email with "Bovine Bugle" in the subject heading to chalvorson@stonyfield.com
Got a question for farmer Jonathan? Click here and Jonathan will try to answer it soon.
Posted by Blogger Chris at February 27, 2006 02:59 PM
Jonathan Gates reports from Howmars Farm in Franklin, Vermont.
