Dairy Cattle At The White House
By John Parker The importance of dairy farming and other agricultural enterprises are finally getting some much needed recognition from the federal government. Because of…
By John Parker
The importance of dairy farming and other agricultural enterprises are finally getting some much needed recognition from the federal government. Because of budget cuts, there isn’t enough money to do some of the normal maintenance at public parks and grounds. So, someone has come up with the bright idea of turning them into grazing areas for dairy cattle and, in some areas, sheep and goats.
In Washington, D.C., recently, one report says the well-kept lawns around the White House were opened to four dairy heifers, young animals not yet old enough to be in a milking herd. These heifers are expected to be kept on the grounds for the season, keeping the lawn “mowed” for free and providing some organic fertilizer while they are there. Just maybe their presence can be an educational tool to help city folks get an up-close look at a live dairy animal.
Now if some farm group, with permission, would put up one or two educational posters highlighting dairy industry facts, there would be more value to these grazing animals in downtown D.C. Signs saying these are dairy animals that will eventually produce milk for tourists to drink would be good. Then, they would not think they are exotic animals from Africa.
The area used for grazing is already fenced in, so that would not be an expense. A garage has been turned into a temporary shelter and place to feed the heifers twice a day. Veterinarian help will be readily available to take care of the health of the animals.
Maybe there can be some other benefits to these peacefully grazing dairy animals on the White House lawn. Frustrated lawmakers who haven’t been able to get anything done might find some peace and satisfaction by spending some time just watching these wonderful animals quietly grazing on the lush grass or laying down under a shade tree chewing their “cuds,” as dairy animals can do. They eat a lot but only partially chew it, then bring it back up later and finish chewing it before it goes into the first of their four stomachs.
These dairy animals on the lawn have been given the title of “biological lawn care units.” Now that’s a fancy name and I will bet that local dairy farmers never thought of giving their cows a neat title like that. Maybe they should call their herds “biological farm care units” because that would sound good to their city friends.
Another suggestion to raise money for the government is to put in feed vending machines like those in private theme parks. Tourists could put in $5 and get a supply of feed they could give to the heifers and watch them eat. They would learn what the animals like and how they reach the food with their tongues.
Maybe the dairy animals put on the White House lawn should be milking animals? Then, some legislators and the president could go out and milk them twice or three times a day. That way they would get first-hand experience about the confining job of a dairy farmer. But first someone would have to teach them how to milk a cow and that might take some time. They could also sell the milk and find out what dairy farmers get for all their labor – probably not a good idea.
More federal parks are being considered for grazing dairy and beef animals. Some of these parks have hundreds of acres that have been mowed in the past. Grazing them to keep the grasses down would save money. But, there is the cost of fencing these areas and providing shade and shelter for the animals. If this is just a short time situation and money would become available for maintenance, then these costs might be more than the amount saved.
So, if any farmers want to change the name of their cows to “biological farm care units,” go ahead. That sounds real professional.
Parker is an independent agricultural writer.
