Kiwanis helps kids around the world. Local clubs look out for our communities and the international organization takes on large-scale challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference. And we have fun along the way. ….. Kiwanis International
by Kathy Foster
Chipley Kiwanis Club President Tracy Andrews welcomed members to Tuesday’s meeting and club member Bruce Christmas presented the program highlighting the award winning Alliance Dairies located in Trenton, Florida.
Christmas said the farm’s family mission is to produce high-quality milk, as they are dedicated to the safety, care, and betterment of our people, cows, land, and community. He added that the dairy is expanding internationally.
The dairy said nutrition is a priority at Alliance Dairies because their success depends greatly on the welfare of their animals. “We ask high performance of our cows, so we must provide them with the appropriate ‘fuel’ or feed to get the job done without putting stress on their bodies. A dairy nutritionist guides us on ideal rations needed to achieve maximum milk potential, while preserving herd health. These rations are a combination of mixed forages such as corn silage, rye grass, sorghum and Bermuda grass. We grow more than 85% of the forages, and purchase the remaining 15% from local farmers. On average, each cow eats 110 pounds daily”.
The dairy owner says through highly managed nutrient plans, recycling of manure waste, and a limited fertilization plan, their goal is to be the best environmental stewards of the land.
“We rotate our crops to replenish nutrients naturally, in addition to watering each plant with pivot irrigation. The crops we grow will eventually become the feed for tomorrow. Ensuring the highest quality crops allows us to produce the highest quality feed, ultimately the highest quality milk,” stress the dairy owners.