It’s all about pump jacks and cows
- col-bobbie-randall
- May 28, 2025
- 501
Our rural setting is just the perfect place for a relaxing country drive. Just as we often drive 45 minutes to an hour for shopping, doctor appointments or entertainment, many people travel that far to soak in the scenery of our beautiful countryside.
City folks from surrounding areas journey to see herds of cows that are out chewing their cud. At one time this area was nationally known for having the most cows per square foot, and it was the No. 1 milk producer in America. Our farmers’ fields also were once known for having the most prolific pump jacks in the nation, but that was long ago.
Milk production and oil and gas production have occurred side by side for years. Liquid nutrition, milk, was and still is just as valuable as oil and gas that flows from the ground.
We use oil and gas to keep our modern lives functioning as smoothly and conveniently as possible. The nutrients, specifically calcium, in milk are required to keep our bodies functioning smoothly and conveniently.
Consider your car without oil or your grill without propane gas. They will work for a while but not for long. When the supply gets low or runs out, breakdowns occur or become inoperable. Consider your bones without adequate nutrition. They can support the body for a while, but because people are living longer these days, without replenishing calcium and other minerals, bones break more easily, and for some people, the body becomes inoperable. Without oil and gas, cars and equipment are worthless; without adequate nutrition, the same thing occurs.
Calcium is a major mineral found in milk from the cows right in our backyard. It is used for other things besides building bones and teeth. Scratch your head. Wiggle your toes. The movement of your muscles depends on calcium. Nerve impulses require this valuable mineral to move the body.
Your bones are like calcium banks. You don’t see it occur, but if you do not daily supply your body with about 1,000-1,400 milligrams of calcium a day, it will be taken from your bones. A lifelong lack of calcium plays a role in the development of osteoporosis. Low calcium intake contributes to reduced bone density, early bone loss and an increased risk of fractures.
An 8-ounce glass of milk has about 300 milligrams of calcium. Other good sources of calcium are a cup of yogurt (320 mg) and 1 ounce of cheese (180 mg). A half cup of broccoli (88 mg) has about as much calcium as 4 ounces of ice cream (80 mg).
Considering the price of gasoline, I doubt many people are taking joy rides to see our cows and pump jacks. Considering the number of cows in the area, osteoporosis should be lower here than anywhere.
Pump jacks and cows are both outstanding in the fields. How we use their byproducts affects the quality of our lives. June is National Dairy Month. Our local dairy farmers are doing their part to keep us healthy by reducing the increase incidence of osteoporosis. They are unsung heroes. Thank a local dairy farmer while out for a scenic drive.
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.