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U.S. dairy farmers are free to use the term ‘mozzarella’ | AGDAILY

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U.S. dairy farmers are free to use the term ‘mozzarella’ | AGDAILY

Dairy farmers received good news when it comes to marketing their products. A crucial agreement has been reached that provides support for protection for the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Protected Designation of Origin in the United States and around the world, while explicitly establishing the free use of the generic term “mozzarella” to indicate a type of cheese.

The agreement, between the Consorzio Tutela Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names is of critical importance as it secures the use of common terms on U.S. cheese products, while recognizing the territory of production.

Farm dirt and barn dander — it does a body good! | AGDAILY

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Farm dirt and barn dander — it does a body good! | AGDAILY

Fecal samples from the subjects showed the children raised on a farm had a much healthier, more diverse gut microbiome than urban dwelling ones. The urban samples were found to dominantly have Atinobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla, whereas the Amish ones were primarily Firmicutes. The differences in these two biomes could potentially mean development of stronger, more robust and healthy immune systems, especially concerning the respiratory tract.

Researchers credit much of these findings to livestock exposure and living in an overall less sanitary environment. This is in line with other studies from multiple countries suggesting the same thing — babies and children living in rural, not-too-sanitized environments tend to have more vigorous immune systems. Studies have also shown a link between rural environments with a decrease in asthma and allergies among residents because of this.

This information is certainly intriguing and quite relevant to urbanites and rural citizens. But the study didn’t stop there — researchers went a step further to test their findings. This was conducted using piglets as a model for humans.

Modern farmhouse decor glamorizes rural life, but is that a bad thing?

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Modern farmhouse decor glamorizes rural life, but is that a bad thing?

Forget the days of perfectly white shiplap walls. They sailed years ago when dusting became less of a priority compared to caring for the family, land, and stock. As farmers, we aren’t home much; maybe to sleep, catch up on the news, or change clothes, so a change in the weather may not justify you decorating for fall, but what you [accidentally] drag in the house may say otherwise.

The term “farmhouse” is being used in a more broader term than ever. Known for its white siding, wrap-around porch and simplicity, it seems as though we have all been sitting on a retail goldmine in the interior/exterior decorating world.

We weren’t aware that dirty boots piled up with oil-stained Wranglers, and smelly shirts were a sign of a well-put-together home. We weren’t aware that recently born animals brought in from the cold laying by the fireplace still covered in less-than-pleasant afterbirth were the style. We weren’t aware that hay and grain strew out among the house gave us charm. All we know is our way of life.