By Charlie Elrod, Ph.D.
President, Natural Biologics, Inc. Vice-President NEAFA
How often have those of us in agriculture griped that the 99% of people who aren’t in ag don’t know what, how or why we do things? How many of us take the opportunity to engage in conversations with our non-farming compatriots to inform and help dispel myths or misperceptions? Volunteering at the Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the NYS Fair is one great way to move the needle and make a difference with the public right here at home.
For the tenth year, the NY Animal Ag Coalition will be hosting the Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the NYS Fair from August 23rd to September 4th. Over 300 dairy farmers and allied industry volunteers play a vital role interacting with members of the public as they watch cows in labor, give birth and calves receive their first bottle of colostrum. What has become one of the top-ranking attractions at the state fair only happens with cows brought to the center by host farms, hundreds of volunteer hours to staff the center and financial support from the industry. Over 200,000 visitors come through the birthing center each year, including “Super Fans” who have been there every single year. At least 700 more will be watching online during the live births.
The farms which will loan expectant cows to the Birthing Center this year include:
Locust Hill Dairy
Stein Farms
Pine Hollow Dairy
Patterson Farms
Twin Birch Farm
Walnut Ridge Dairy
Dr. Carie Telgen, a veteran volunteer at the Birthing Center says "In 10 years of volunteering at the Dairy Cattle Birthing Center, I have countless memories with fair-goers of all ages, where spending 5 or 10 minutes in open, honest conversation, has positively changed their mind about the dairy industry and the products we produce. No doubt, they can be the most exhausting 2 days of my summer, but hands-down the most fulfilling!”
If you would like to sign up to volunteer at the Birthing Center, please follow this link and pick the days and times when you can help.