Dedicated to Dairy - Painting the Scene

It's not everyday that you find a person with incredible talent using a paint brush. It's even more rare when you find that talent paired with a charming and kind personality and true passion for an industry. Bonnie Mohr is one of the most well known icons in the dairy industry, and rightfully so. A painter and wife to a dairy farmer, Mohr's work ranges from cows to motivational and inspiring pieces (for those who don't necessarily consider bovines appropriate wall decor, which I think is absurd).

After enjoying my interview with Bonnie Mohr, check out the links below to Mohr's Facebook and official website. Trust me, if you're a "cow" person or a "not-so-cow" person... you won't regret it!

Bonnie Mohr Studio Official Website & Facebook Page 

1. Introduce yourself!

Formally Bonnie Mohr, many know me as the “cow lady” or “cow painter,” which I think is a wonderful and flattering thing. I am the second oldest of eight kids and grew up near New Ulm on a dairy farm. I am married to a dairy farmer—John Mohr—and so I became a dairy farmer’s wife and a mom to our five children (Amanda, Katelyn, Taylor, Jacob, and Zachary). I have always been active in the dairy industry, beginning with a career early on at Holstein World and eventually fulfilling my own journey of becoming an artist. I love my life and feel blessed every day to be able to use my God given talents and skills to be an artist advocate for the dairy industry and more recently, expanding my subject matter and contact to include inspirational art.

2. How are you dedicated to dairy? 

My work is a reflection of who I am; I paint the sites and scenes or rural America and the face of the dairy industry and its lifestyle. It is all about the life I've lived and what I believe—it is the things that bring me joy and happiness. I am an advocate for this lifestyle by supporting the events and happenings of dairy farmers and the dairy industry through my artwork and personal contributions.  I am appreciative that there are people who love the same things I do, as it’s the people who buy my work who give me a reason to paint. Success and happiness lie in working hard and believing in what you do. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to not only grow up on a dairy farm, but also to raise our family on one. There really is no greater place in the world to raise a family and to teach your children about responsibility, family values and working together, laying a foundation and preparing them for the life that lies ahead.  Whether they end up in the dairy industry or otherwise, it’s a great way to prepare them for life with the daily life lessons that occur on a dairy farm.

3. Can you tell us a little bit about your business?

Art was my favorite subject in high school; I don’t think for a second that I was born a genius artist or any extraordinary talent. I have just had a love, fascination and interest for color ever since I was a child. I went to school for dairy production and agriculture communications. Evenings and weekends, however, I continued to pursue my desire of wanting to learn to paint. To feed this hunger, I went to art shows on the weekends and slowly but surely taught myself how to paint. About 30 years ago I began showing my work around and Select Sires commissioned me to paint one of their bulls. It was then that I decided to leave my job and give painting a try; John was very supportive and encouraged me along the way. From there, it was a slow process of developing my skills, painting style, and establishing myself as an artist—I knew it was cows that I really wanted to paint. Because there were very few other artists painting cattle, there was a market for it. I really learned everything on my own—it was a series of trial and error.

Throughout the beginning stages of my career, we also bought our farm, moved out to Glencoe, and started a family. The first 15 years of my career is a blur of sorts; I was helping on the farm, up at night with babies, and at that time I had no employees, so I was also the one answering the phone and taking orders—in addition to painting. At a certain point, I realized I had grown enough and was able to start up the studio and hire some employees, eventually leading to the launch of our website and a catalog to show my work. The more I painted cows, the more my skills developed, the more true-to-life my paintings became, and I knew I was painting what I was supposed to, and that brought great satisfaction to me. I was painting who I was and what I loved.

Over the course of time, I painted all the different breeds. The highlights of my career have been painting the Ideal Holstein cow and bull for the Holstein Association, updating the Dairy Breeds of North America poster, and the Hoard’s Dairyman Foster Mother of the Human Race image. In the last ten years, I’ve broadened my subject matter and have painted various rural American scenes, and most recently inspirational artwork, which has become a very big part of my work. This is a growing area for me because it is a measure that has the potential to touch everyone in the world. I have felt a calling to branch out to try new and different things; I am thankful that my work brings joy and happiness to people.

In addition to having an art gallery on our farm, I do a few shows during the year. World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin being the biggest (this will be my 29^th year!). I also have a website (www.bonniemohr.com), and my work can be found in various shops and galleries all over America, as well as internationally.

4. What do you like most about your artwork/business? (the combination of art and the dairy industry, it's peaceful, etc) 

As I look back, I am surprised that the gold treasure we all seek in life was right in my own back yard. The joy and reward of being a dairy farmer and living the dairy farming life has become the staple of who I am and how I make my living. It is ironic that you grow up thinking you have to search the world over to find the treasure, when in reality, it was right there the whole time. I love the fact that I can be sitting in my chair painting and look out the window and see cows in the pasture. I love that when I have my windows open in the morning, I can hear the cows mooing and the tractor and TMR (totally mixed ration) mixer driving across the yard. I love that I can hear the sound of my children right outside of my window working and growing, laughing and playing. That is a real joy that a lot of people never get to have—that true meaning of family and life right here, right now. On the business side of things, I have always had an interest in marketing and have always been a “people person.” A big part of selling your product is believing in your product; that’s why it is so easy for me to have a passion for what I do—I believe in what I do.

5. What's your favorite painting that you've done? 

“The Beautiful Cow.” I believe I captured both the inner and outer essence and beauty of the dairy cow. Those cows look like they are in cow heaven. They are so peaceful—the look I captured exemplifies that they are happy, well taken care of, and loving their life, too. As dairy farmers and stewards of the land, that is our job…to take care of everything we’ve been given. The look on their faces say that they are joyful and happy; they are basking in the sunshine in a lush pasture on a warm summer day—if there’s a cow heaven, that’s it right there! I also wrote a verse for this painting which summarizes my, and I believe most dairy farmers, passion for cows, and why we live this lifestyle

The other reason this piece is so special to me is because I donated this original painting  to the Holstein Foundation, which ended up raising almost $20,00 for them at auction. It was my opportunity to give back for the gifts I’ve been blessed with and the wonderful life I’ve had. I think from time to time, we all need to give back, and that’s why “The Beautiful Cow” makes me especially happy and proud.

The Beautiful Cow 

6. If you could tell the public one thing about your involvement in the dairy industry, what would it be?

I believe I have been a positive spokesperson to both dairy farmers and non-dairy farmers through my form of artwork. I feel it is an educational, enlightening and complimentary message for this lifestyle. My work is a tribute to all of us who work hard in the dairy industry. There aren’t too many professions that require this amount of hard work and dedication. My work is a celebration to the people who live this lifestyle, and that makes me really happy.

I also think my work is who I am, through and through. Born and raised a dairy farmers daughter,  I live what I know. My work is an extension of my heart and that brings me great satisfaction.

The other thing that brings me joy is knowing the happiness my art brings to others. To share the things you've been given in life, is really why we are here, it's a big part of our journey.  I’ve been able to use my work to share with others for contributions, donations for fundraisers and benefits.  It is a wonderful way to help others...we all have something to give... this is my way of giving to help other people raise money for worthy causes, and that brings me joy and satisfaction.  

Dedicated to Dairy - At the Family Creamery

One of my favorite parts about the dairy industry is the variety of delicious products that milk can make (including milk itself!). Especially in June, what's better than an excessively large ice cream cone after a long day at work? Not much. 

Here is my interview with Jaylene Lesher, family member of Way-Har Farms, who helps run the family creamery.

Q1. Introduce yourself!

I'm Jaylene Lesher and I call Way-Har Farms LLC my home and family's business. 

Q2. How are you dedicated to dairy ? 

I am the fourth generation of the Lesher family to work on the dairy farm. I contribute to all parts of the farm and store by helping milk the cows, raise calves, haul silage, and run errands for the store. My dairy roots motivates me to promote the true story of agriculture to consumers and fellow students at Penn State. 

Q3. Can you tell us a little bit about your family business?

In 1970 my grandfather and great uncle, Wayne and Harold Lesher respectively, opened a dairy store where they bottled the milk produced at the farm. Way-Har Farms' two main products were farm fresh milk and ice cream. Today, Way-Har Farm Market offers milk, chocolate milk, sixty flavors of ice cream, a variety of baked goods, and a deli. Everybody in the family pitches into the business by helping make the ice cream, deliver milk to restaurants, and pick-up supplies. 

Q4. What do you like most about being involved with your family business? 

With so much to do in a family owned dairy farm and creamery, it's hard to pick my favorite part! Taking care of new born calves, tasting ice cream fresh from the batch freezer, and handing a delicious cone of ice cream to a happy customer are the various highlights of my days.

 

Q5. What's your favorite product in your creamery? 

Some customer favorites found at Way-Har are the chocolate milk, peanut butter ice cream, and peanut butter eggs. You will have to stop by and try them yourself to discover why our customers rave these products! My personal favorite products at the store are the peach ice cream and coffee cakes. 

Q6. If you could tell the public one thing about your involvement in the dairy industry, what would it be?

If there was one thing I could share with the general public about the dairy industry, I would share that there is no greater source about food than farmers. If you ever have a question about your food, simply ask a farmer in your community! 

Dedicated to Dairy - Through Communications

When someone says they work in the dairy industry, what comes to mind? That they're out milking cows and feeding calves every day? Or maybe they're out in the field planting crops. While that it is the case for many, there is an incredible variety of careers off the farm.

June is Dairy month, and I am here to show you how many different ways that men and women are dedicated to making the dairy industry an incredible place. Here is my interview with Emily Caldwell, East Coast Editor with Progressive Dairyman magazine, who is dedicated to dairy through the power of communications. 

Q1. Introduce yourself!

I'm Emily Caldwell. I'm from a dairy farm in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. I'm the East Coast Editor with Progressive Dairyman magazine. The company is based in Idaho, and I work remotely from PA. 

Q2. How are you dedicated to dairy?

I write about the dairy industry! I also enjoy being involved in dairy-related activities, such as the Penn State Dairymen's Club and serving as a volunteer for the All-American Dairy Show. I was recently a participant of Holstein Foundation's Young Dairy Leaders Institute, where I received media and leadership training for the purpose of being a better dairy advocate.

Q3. Tell us a little bit about your average day in the industry - are there any challenges you face?

I typically travel once or twice a month to cover a conference or interview a farmer. When I'm in the office, I'm usually conducting phone interviews, writing articles and editing submissions from industry contributors. PD has a team of editors, and each editor is responsible for certain topic areas. Some of mine include calf and heifer raising, milk quality and women in dairy. Our team meets twice a month via conference calls and in person twice a year. We share ideas, pass along story leads and divvy up conferences and events to attend.

There's never a lack of ideas to write about – it's just a matter of lack of time! So one of my biggest challenges in this career is deadlines, particularly when a print deadline hits at the same time as our e-newsletter deadlines. Luckily, we have a great team and everyone is willing to pitch in to help get an issue done or write content for the e-newsletter.

Q4. What do you like most about your career? 

What I like most is that I'm always learning something new. In the topic areas I cover, there is always new research being done and new products being developed to help dairy producers. I feel like I'm doing something different every day. 

Q5. What's your favorite story/article that you've ever written? 

I most enjoy writing feature stories about dairy producers. I like being able to visit a farm, talk with the producer and find out what it is about their operation or the dairy industry that makes them proud. My favorite piece was about an Indiana dairywoman who battled cancer. She unfortunately lost that battle and passed away in January 2013, but her incredible story of moving to the U.S. from the Netherlands and starting a dairy continues to inspire people. 

Q6. If you could tell the public one thing about your involvement in the dairy industry, what would it be?

I think I'd most like to tell the public to not be afraid to ask questions and do their research about agriculture. I have discovered that you learn a lot more by not being afraid to ask the "dumb" questions and starting with the basics than by making assumptions. On the dairy  side, I don't think it is our job to force-feed that information. We just need to be open to having conversations and sharing our story.

PETA Round 2: Never be silent

 “Never be silent” are words taken right out of co-founder and President of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Ingrid Newkirk’s mouth and presentation to Penn State on Wednesday, April 2^nd. Though she preaches this, and clearly follows it, she doesn’t seem to appreciate it when others follow this rule as well.

It was advertised around campus that Newkirk would answer any and all questions students may have. However, once she started receiving backlash, this PETA co-founder seemed that it would be the professional thing to do cutting us short after three questions. Sara Kitchen, a great friend and classmate of mine, didn’t agree.

We approached Newkirk and asked her the following three questions, and were bewildered by her responses, which were filled with ignorance and hostility.

Q1. What are PETA’s goals when the world population reaches 9 billion people? Are we all to be vegans? And if this is the end goal, how do we do this in an economical, profitable and sustainable way?

RESPONSE: Yes, people will still eat if we take away meat from our diets. And of course it will be better in all three things you mentioned. Animal agriculture is responsible for polluting water, releasing unwanted gas into the air and deforestation. Vegans use the least amount of energy and water, you know.

Q2. What will happen to the animals if we eliminate animal agriculture?

RESPONSE: Well you have to stop artificially inseminating them, and then we won’t be producing billions of animals each year. They will phase out. I don’t think you care about your animals *waves her hand in my face*, it’s just an excuse for what you’re doing to them. It’s something that’s been programmed into your mind, you’re just a business. Do you take the calves away from their mothers for safety? How would you feel if I did that to you, “for safety?”

Q3. How will this affect our economy? Agriculture generates billions of dollars to the United States economy each year, not to mention thousands of jobs.

RESPONSE: The economy will have to change. We used to have slavery and horse drawn carriages you know.

Throughout her responses, both Sara and I would try to respond with the rhyme and reason behind all of our practices, but she would bring down us down without letting us finish. In fact, we weren’t able to do more than start a sentence before she would interrupt and start another argument. Not only was it slightly discouraging, but very upsetting that a woman of her status and popularity would act so childish. In fact, to highlight her level of professionalism, I would like to leave you with this last exchange between Newkirk and I:

Newkirk: I don’t think you truly care about your animals. It’s a business, and it’s for profit.

Me: How can you accuse me of not caring about my cows? Is it not possible to have morals and emotions tied in with your business?

Newkirk: I don’t even know what you mean by that.

Sure you don’t Ingrid. I guess they didn’t teach you how to use insanity and outrageous beliefs to battle an opponent with reason, practicality and reality… did they? 

PETA Round 1: The Presentation

On April 2nd, 2014 Ingrid Newkirk paid Penn State a visit. Who is Ingrid Newkirk? The co-founder and president of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. When you hear that, what do think it means? People who are advocating for the humane treatment of animals is what comes to my mind. Which is a rule and concept that ANY man or woman who is a true agriculturist knows and abides by. However, that's not what PETA is promoting.

Anyone who follows PETA knows that their claims are absurd and outrageous. What they lack in their marketing schemes and accusations is reality, reason and practicality. And you can be sure that Ingrid was not lacking in any of those three qualities. But what she lacked in common sense and reality, she made up for with a charming stage presence, pleasant sense of humor and a British accent that was impossible to hate.

Throughout her presentation, she used examples of cruelty towards animals that we ALL could agree with. Videos showed hair being ripped off of screaming rabbits, workers violently throwing new born calves into a truck and sheep being kicked in the head during shearing, among others. Even I felt a pang of hurt for the animals she was projecting. However, I was more bothered by her following approach tactics:

The Holocaust, Slavery and Women's Rights. When you compare the way humans treat animals as "slaves" to Hitler sending Jews to concentration camps, slave in the fields picking cotton and women fighting for voting rights, that's taking it to far. Or how Ingrid compared farmers taking calves away from mothers to times of slavery when white men and women accused black women of not being capable of feeling maternal love and taking away their newborns. Ingrid Newkirk stooped down to the level of torture, inequality and racism. How on God's great earth is that even a fair or valid argument? Are we sick, racist people as agriculturists and farmers? I think not.

Calling out The College of Ag. There were a solid 4 or 5 times during Ingrid's presentation that she would begin with phrases such as, "This is for the College of Ag" and "Ag students should listen to this" or the "Pay attention to this ag students." For one, that's rude, ignorant and unprofessional to do in a presentation. Two, the Penn State College of Ag was the majority of your crowd. I don't believe it's fair to call out and point fingers and young men and women who spent their evening RESPECTFULLY listening to your outrageous view points and over done presentation. I also think it's total crap that when their was an individual who laughed in the crowd, Ingrid automatically made a hinting dig at the "ag kids." How do you know what college or area of study they were associated with?

One sided story. You may be thinking, "Did you really expect anything different?" Yes and no. I expected the co-founder and PRESIDENT of a world renowned organization to have the respect for herself and the poise in her presentation to at least ACKNOWLEDGE another side of a story. For example, a student made a comment at the end of her slide show, saying a statement to the effect of "I agree that animals should be treated humanely, as do all students in the College of Agriculture. However,  I don't agree with the way you go about promoting your cause. It's not practical and just wrong." She retaliated by stating, "You ag students and ag organizations love to only show one side and pull out the negative stats about the deaths and put downs in our animal shelters," and then proceeded to show us a video on the positives of PETA animal shelters. Just real quick Ingrid.... that didn't even remotely address his comment and isn't that EXACTLY what PETA is doing? Only showing one side? Sounds a little hypocritical to me.

Only answering 3 questions. I just spent an hour and a half listening to your presentation. Every time a hand was raised in our area (which judging by the sea of camo, was clearly the "ag kid" side), we were ignored. You, a HUGE public figure with a HUGE opinion, have a personal responsibility and OBLIGATION to answer every one's questions... or at least more than 3. Maybe it was the number of questions she didn't answer, or the way she would look our way and blatantly ignore our raised hand. Either way, it fueled my spirit and fired to lock her down for a one-on-one conversation.

Maybe I have too much faith in humanity, or maybe I was hoping for a more professional and rational experience with someone as powerful as Ingrid Newkirk. However, I was highly disappointed. But now I know how PETA accomplishes their goals first hand. Emotion, wit, charm, celebrity support and pictures of sick, sad puppies. Keep on keepin' on PETA, because the Penn State College of Ag is ready to call out your bluff again and again... and again.

Farm to Facebook

One of today's biggest topics in our agricultural industries is social media. There is no doubt social media is one of the most powerful forms of communication... and it's growing. It's convenient and reaches a lot of people, really fast. However it can be hard to convince everyone how important it is to make a presence on social media, and more specifically, Facebook. It is even more important that we convince those who are farming and providing the mass majority on Facebook with the food they're eating while scrolling through old high school flames' profiles.

The first problem and doubt I've heard over and over again - "I don't need to be on Facebook. Who is there that I need to be talking to?" I can answer that question... everyone on there is someone you should be talking to. I mean, just look at this video to see how many people are using Facebook, every second, of every day:

The scary part? Every single person on this social media trend is being force-fed information every time they log into their profile. What's something even scarier? It's a lot of false facts thrown around to drive people's opinions and views in a certain way. Conventional agriculture is taking a hard hit, and so are our farmers. That is EXACTLY why all of our farmers need to create a presence and voice on Facebook, to promote their products and the love and passion that is their business and livelihood.

I was recently a part of an eye-opening discussion that broke down what farmers need to focus on while creating their Facebook page:

1. Delegate. Who associated with your business has the personality for social media? Is it you, a spouse, your son or daughter? Maybe it's even a sister-in-law or grandma. No matter who it is, the person in charge of your Facebook needs to have the patience and determination to put enough information out there to gain a respectful and significant following.

2. What's your purpose? Are you trying to sell your products? Are you trying to let the public know how important it is to you that you to keep the care of your animals and land a number one priority? Or is it a way to be an advocate of your industry and practices? Know why you're on social media and what message or image you are trying to portray.

3. Build your credibility. No one is going to listen to you if you're not supporting your claims with cold hard facts. And if you don't have a certain and confident answer, BE HONEST ABOUT IT. It's is completely and totally OK to NOT have an answer. Just be clear that you are unsure of the correct answer, and have a backup of resources that you can guide them too.

4. Know your opponent. There are a lot of different character on Facebook. And in those interesting people, are individuals who are everything you stand against. Remember that arch enemy in high school that had a retort for everything you said? Yea, well they're back... and they're back with friends. Thousands of them. It is crucial to be prepared for people to lash out at your Facebook content with negativity, and to know how to respond to them in a professional manner. Always be the bigger person, and know how to listen before you speak.

Acknowledge the importance of the direction our industry is going, and be willing to change with it. Now get out their and show 'em what your made of farmers! And show a little sass while you're at it ;-)

Hug a Farmer

If you've been on any form of social media, you already know what day it is. It's National Ag Day! One of my favorite days of the year. It's a day to post pictures of your favorite farmers, farmer tans, cow selfies and family pictures by the farm sign. However, I saw a girl roll her eyes and turn up her nose to all of the "annoying posts about farmers today" on Facebook and Twitter. At first I was mad, but then I realized... how does she know any different? Does she even know what a farmer does every day? And then came along this "10 reasons to thank a farmer" picture floating through Facebook:

Now that you have reasons to thank them, here are 10 reasons to hug a farmer on National Ag Day:

1. They work hard to provide food not only for consumers, but a good life for their family as well
2. A farmer doesn't work 9-5... they're on the clock 24/7 
3. They don't get a vacation day on Christmas or a 4-day weekend for memorial day
4. A farmer is up at the crack of dawn to care for their animals, land and the environment
5. Farmers are passionate about what they do
6. They're responsible for beer, cheese and milkshakes
7. .......Oh yea, and pizza
8. Farmers are goodhearted, incredible people who never hesitate to lend a helping hand
9. Without farmers, you'd be naked and hungry
10. No farms, no food 

So if you're like the entire human population and enjoy eating and living the life the way we do, give a farmer a hug and say "Thank you, for all you do."