AUSTIN, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Rodeo Austin is not just about competition. It also serves as a place to connect consumers with the dairy industry where education efforts are front and center.
Steven Branecky works for Southwest Dairy Farmers alongside his cow, Lucy, whom he affectionately calls his teaching partner.
Branecky says his work is supported by a national checkoff program, in which a small portion of milk sales helps fund educational efforts like his.
“It’s been a really rewarding job because I’m promoting agriculture and still promoting the dairy industry,” Branecky said.
He says one of the most meaningful parts of the job is helping shift perceptions and getting to introduce children to agriculture for the very first time.
Educators say programs like this help close the gap between producers and consumers by showing exactly where food comes from and how it’s produced.
