DAFWA scientist to talk milk at Legendairy ironkids event

The South West dairy industry will be showcased to the local community at an ironman event for children to be held at the Busselton foreshore on Saturday 6 December.

Department of Agriculture and Food dairy leader John Lucey said the department was proud to support the Legendairy Ironkids event, sponsored by Dairy Australia and Western Dairy.

“Legendairy Ironkids will be far more than a multi-discipline race for kids – a crowd of about 1000 competitors, parents and spectators is expected to engage in a unique dairy display,” Mr Lucey said.

“Industry displays and other activities showcasing the value and diversity of the local dairy industry are expected to increase the community’s recognition of its vibrant, responsible, progressive and sustainable dairy industry.”

Among the number of volunteers to draw together on the day, department dairy research officer Bronwyn Edmunds will share dairy facts and promote the health benefits of dairy products in exercise recovery.

“Milk is very effective in rehydrating active kids and has been shown to be more effective than commercial sports drinks,” Dr Edmunds said. “In addition to replacing water and electrolytes, milk is a major source of calcium and magnesium which are other essential minerals lost during exercise.

“Dairy foods provide energy, and milk, cheese and yogurt contain many of the vitamins and minerals required to release this energy from food and help transfer it around the body.”

Mr Lucey said support of the event was important in promoting the relevance of the department’s research in helping to drive increased dairy productivity and profitability, and subsequently the economic health of the regional community.

“The more we can engage with the community and help them understand the dairy production process, from the paddock to the plate, the more likely they will support and value our dairy industry,” he said.

At the event, farmers will be involved in milking demonstrations and dairy manufacturers will showcase and provide samples of dairy products including milk drinks, yoghurt, cheese and ice-cream.

Children will be able to pat and feed dairy calves, and there will be a display of cow models painted by local school children and a life-sized cow painted by a Busselton artist.

The Legendairy Ironkids race will start west of the Busselton jetty at 8.30am while demonstrations and displays, including department scientists, will span the lawn between the Equinox Café and the Goose Restaurant from 8am to 11am.

Source: DAFWA

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