County Farm Bureau hosts annual legislative farm tour
MUDDY CREEK TWP — Ongoing efforts to allow whole milk to be served with school lunches, and the possible return of federal regulations on rainwater runoff were the top issues debated at the Butler County Farm Bureau’s annual legislative farm tour.
Friday’s tour was held at family-operated Gardner’s Farm and Greenhouse, which opened a new retail greenhouse on Route 19 two years ago.
Farm bureau members said current regulations that allow only skim or 1% milk to be served in schools were aimed at addressing child obesity, but that problem still exists and lifestyle choices are contributing factors.
The bureau, which is part of the state and national bureau, supports providing whole milk and chocolate milk to schools.
Bureau member Brittany Speer said school cafeterias should have dispensers with different kinds of milk and should give students glasses so they can have as much as they want, instead of the half-pint containers they receive now.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, said consumers should be educated about milk and almond milk, which is sold in grocers’ dairy sections along with dairy milk.
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