Students from Dalhart Elementary and Allyn Finch Intermediate schools were asked to enter a contest and draw pictures of “Where do you think cows live?” for the March 25, 2008 issue of the Progressive Dairyman magazine.

Students in second, third and fourth grades drew pictures for the contest. Forty-four students had their artwork selected to form a collage for the cover of the magazine.

On April 4, 2008, Brandon Covey from Lubbock, Texas, represented Progressive Dairyman magazine and came to Dalhart to present Allyn Finch Intermediate and Dalhart Elementary School principals with a poster of the cover of the magazine to hang in their schools.

Each student who had a picture selected to be used on the cover was given a copy of the March issue of the magazine and a letter from the editor congratulating them on their artwork.

“I was taken aback a little on how knowledgeable the kids were,” said Covey, Progressive Dairyman’s Southwest regional manager. “There are probably not too many schools in the country where that many kids can tell you something about agriculture. Many parents showed up for the presentations, and it was nice to see that kind of support.

“One of the kids had even researched [our company] on the Internet and recognized me from a picture,” Covey continued. “I was impressed at his use of technology and willingness to speak up. The entire experience left me hopeful for the future of agriculture. Hopefully, we gave those kids back a little encouragement, as well.”

The March issue cover art was used to feature the perception grade-school children have about the dairy industry. The issue contained dairy stats for all 50 states as well as an article discussing the possible futures of the dairy industry. PD