Fresh, local dairy. An iconic part of what makes Washington a special place.
Every day is Earth Day when you’re a Washington dairy farmer. See how farmers work together to do more with less.
Fun fact: happy cows produce better tasting milk, and more of it. Fun fact two: Washington’s cows are really, really happy, thanks to dairy farmers who go above and beyond to make sure their farms and facilities are as well taken care of as their cows.
The Yakima Valley region produces more than 75% of the United States hop production. Dairy Cows, the original recyclers, eat the grain leftover from the brewing process as a nutritious source of carbohydrate and protein.
Our northwestern counties receive about 36 inches of rain each year, providing enough water to grow lush grasses that our cows love to eat. You would too, if your stomach had four chambers.
Cows are on their feet most of the day. (On their hooves, to be accurate.) And since pedicures help improve cows’ comfort, dairy farmers are more than happy to oblige.
Out here in the summer, things get pretty hot. That’s why farmers use ventilation and water distribution systems to keep their cows comfortable. We should all be so lucky.
Fun fact: happy cows produce better tasting milk, and more of it. Fun fact two: Washington’s cows are really, really happy, thanks to dairy farmers who go above and beyond to make sure their farms and facilities are as well taken care of as their cows.
The Yakima Valley region produces more than 75% of the United States hop production. Dairy Cows, the original recyclers, eat the grain leftover from the brewing process as a nutritious source of carbohydrate and protein.
Our northwestern counties receive about 36 inches of rain each year, providing enough water to grow lush grasses that our cows love to eat. You would too, if your stomach had four chambers.
Cows are on their feet most of the day. (On their hooves, to be accurate.) And since pedicures help improve cows’ comfort, dairy farmers are more than happy to oblige.
Out here in the summer, things get pretty hot. That’s why farmers use ventilation and water distribution systems to keep their cows comfortable. We should all be so lucky.
More than just naturally nutritious and delicious, real Washington dairy is also a big part of our state’s buzzing economy. Just how big an impact are we talking about? See if you can guess.
Nope, that’s not a typo. Chocolate milk’s natural blend of nutrients (especially, protein and glucose for you science-types) makes it a great choice for refueling muscles after exercise. Get your hands on the original workout drink. It’s just as effective as some of the others and, between us, a heck of a lot tastier.
If you want to gain more muscle and get more from your workouts, it’s vital that you get enough protein to refuel tired muscles. Strength training breaks down your muscle fibers, and proper nutrition, like taking in enough protein, is the key to unlocking your body’s growth potential. Learn about how much protein you need to eat, how to grab healthy meals on the go, and why eating enough protein can take your workouts to the next level at eatsmart.org.
Think of your body like a race car. And like any race car, it needs fuel to run optimally. Carbohydrates are your body’s fuel, and chocolate milk is loaded with carbohydrate energy, coming from chocolate’s sugar and milk’s natural lactose. Its ratio of protein to carbohydrate energy is ideal for restoring energy after a workout. Plus, it keeps working until your next workout. Research shows that milk aids in endurance exercise performance in between workouts.
The average person sweats more than a liter of water and electrolytes during 60 minutes of exercise. Rehydrate after your workout by reaching for a water bottle and some chocolate milk. Drinking milk has been shown to be an excellent way to replace fluid lost during exercise. Plus, milk’s natural electrolytes help keep the body’s fluid levels balanced. And it tastes 100 percent better than any other workout recovery drink out there.
Explore nutrition tools to use in support of healthy eating for all ages. Perfect for educators and health professionals.
No two Washington dairy farms are the same, because each farmer brings his or her unique skills and passion to the work. They do have a few things in common, though: a commitment to cows, the environment, the community, and, of course, to producing amazing milk.
Washington dairy is a staple of the state’s vibrant food culture and culinary scene. It’s also a vital part of our state’s many communities. See how dairy farmers throughout
the state are giving back.
