During a recent government meeting, Lebanon County Dairy Princess Raven Bayshore captivated attendees with her heartfelt speech promoting the dairy industry. Crowned in May, Bayshore has been actively engaging with the community, visiting daycares and local fairs to raise awareness about dairy farming.

In her address, she emphasized the significance of family-owned farms, noting that 97% of dairy farms in the U.S. are family-operated. Bayshore shared her personal experiences growing up on a dairy farm, highlighting the strong community bonds among farmers who support each other in times of need. She recounted a poignant moment when her family received assistance from fellow farmers during her mother's illness, illustrating the industry's commitment to mutual aid.

Bayshore also underscored the nutritional benefits of dairy, stating that real milk is an affordable source of essential nutrients vital for health. She encouraged the audience to incorporate dairy into their diets, mentioning various products like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, and promoting local sourcing through the PA Preferred logo.

Her speech concluded with a reminder of the dedication dairy farmers show year-round, ensuring the welfare of their cows and the quality of their products. The meeting attendees responded positively, with light-hearted remarks about the benefits of chocolate milk, suggesting it might be a better choice than water during future discussions.