How does milk get from the farm to our supermarkets?
Every day, dairy farmers give their cows water to drink and a mixture of hay and grains to eat. Cows’ bodies turn this food into milk. Two or three times a day, farmers milk their cows, using a special machine attached to the cows’ udders. Milk is then stored in a refrigerated tank on the farm. Farmers test the milk to make sure it is wholesome. Every other day or so, trucks visit each dairy farm to pick up the milk and take it to a factory. At the factory, workers test the milk again. Milk is pasteurized, which means it is heated up to kill any germs it may contain. Milk is also poured through tiny holes to break up solid particles. This process is called homogenization. Workers then put the milk into containers. Cartons and jugs of milk are sent to restaurants, schools and stores, where you can buy it to drink.
