Milking Cattle Once Part of Every Farm

Following World War II, America rapidly changed from an agrarian society to one with a more urban, industrial focus. Returning servicemen who had grown up on the farm went away to school and careers; many former rural dwellers left the farm to work in factories or service occupations. In addition, more efficient agricultural implements brought consolidation of farms, and the number of farm families grew smaller. The days when every farmer had a herd of milch cows were relegated to the past.

Forever gone are the days when the farm boy went out after the milking herd in the dewy morning and purple twilight. Today, milk is generally purchased at the grocery store, in plastic jugs instead of glass bottles. And people who consume the milk have little concept of the process by which it is obtained: Old Bossy's contribution is seldom realized or appreciated. FC

Paul F. Long is a freelance writer from Kansas. His work has appeared in Kansas Farmer, Texas Farmer-Stockman, Kanhistique, and Rural Heritage.