Ambassadors visit Lynden Breakfast Kiwanis!!

The Lynden Breakfast Kiwanis proudly supports students’ work with the local dairy industry and welcomed the Whatcom County Dairy Ambassadors to their breakfast meeting on July 16, 2025. Maddie DeLange, Whatcom County Dairy Ambassador and Sarah VanBerkum, Whatcom County Alternate Dairy Ambassador, spoke to an overflowing crowd at the Fairway Cafe in Lynden and were introduced by 

Debbie Vander Veen, their advisor from Whatcom County Dairy Women. 

With a big smile, Ambassador Maddie and Alternate Ambassador Sarah started with “Celebrating Dairy: A Journey from Farm to Table.”

Dairy is more than just a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream—it’s a way of life that connects farmers, communities, and consumers. As a 17-year-old Dairy Ambassador from Linden High School, I’ve grown up on my family’s dairy farm, learning the value of hard work and dedication that fuels this industry. From my first dairy heifer at the Northwest Washington Fair to working at Edalean Dairy, my passion for dairy has only deepened. Today, I want to share the remarkable journey of dairy, from farm to table, and why it matters to everyone.

The dairy industry touches us all, whether you’re sipping milk with cereal or enjoying cheese on a sandwich. At its core are farmers who rise daily to care for their herds and land. Their commitment ensures high-quality products, but challenges like declining participation in the industry and the rise of plant-based milk alternatives threaten their livelihood. As an ambassador, my mission is to educate communities about the effort behind every dairy product, ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Take a cow like Honey, a heifer from our farm. At 13-14 months, she’s bred, and nine months later, she delivers her first calf and begins producing 6-8 gallons of milk daily—about 2,300 gallons annually. This milk is collected in bulk tanks, cooled to 38°F to maintain quality, and transported to processing facilities. There, it’s pasteurized for safety, homogenized for smoothness, and transformed into products like butter, yogurt, or ice cream, which takes 12 gallons of milk per pound. Each step demands precision to ensure safety and sustainability.

Dairy breeds play a key role. Holsteins, with their iconic black-and-white patterns, produce 80-120 pounds of milk daily, making them the most common breed in the U.S. Guernseys, with golden-yellow, butterfat-rich milk, excel in butter and cheese production, while Jerseys, smaller but efficient, yield creamy milk ideal for ice cream. Brown Swiss, originating from the Swiss Alps, offer protein-rich milk perfect for cheese.

Technology is revolutionizing dairy farming. At Edalean Dairy, 20 robotic milkers from DeLaval milk cows 2-7 times daily based on individual needs, boosting yields by 10-15% and collecting data on milk production and health. Feed pushers ensure cows eat a balanced diet, while drones provide aerial views for crop scouting, reducing costs and environmental impact. These innovations highlight farmers’ commitment to efficiency and animal welfare.

Visiting Whatcom County’s dairy tours, I saw this passion firsthand. From small family farms to large operations, farmers prioritize animal care and sustainability. Creameries showcased the farm-to-table process, turning raw milk into products we love. With around 60 dairies in Whatcom County, the industry remains vibrant but needs support. Next time you grab a gallon of milk or savor a scoop of ice cream, remember the story behind it—a story of dedication, innovation, and cows like Honey.