A Calf Grows Up

Although we don't celebrate the occasion, May 14th marks a rather special day in American history: on this day in the year 1611, the first cow arrived at the pilgrim settlement in Jamestown, VA. Americans would henceforth have milk, cheese, butter, and higher cholesterol levels. Produced for the Vermont Department of Agriculture, A Calf Grows Up is the story of the history of dairy farming, in general, and, in particular the story of one well-known Holstein calf named Vermontica. Chosen to be a national "spokescow" Vermontica has traveled throughout the New England area mooing her message that milk does a body good (she was even featured in People magazine, although she is not, technically speaking, a "people"). Youngsters (and oldsters) will see how a dairy farm runs, watch cows being milked, learn about the intriguing digestive system of the cow (which uses four stomachs), and follow the various stages that "milk" goes through on its way to becoming something more interesting (like Ben & Jerry's ice cream). The program is narrated by Margaret Mac­Arthur (who also narrated the award-winning The Maple Sugaring Story, reviewed in our September 1989 issue), and includes the as-yet-undiscovered hit "I'm in the Moo-Moo-Mood for Milk." While set in Vermont (where there are nearly as many cows as people), the tape is general enough for viewers anywhere. Not a terribly flashy video, A Calf Grows Up is nevertheless a solid introduction to the history and current practices of dairy farming. Recommended. (Note: A 120-page companion guide--primarily for use by teachers--is also available for an additional $7.00). (Available from: Perceptions, Inc., Rural Rte. 1, Box 1590, Charlotte, VT 05445; (802) 425-2783.)