On The Farm With Carla Martin (Continued from Page A 22) and adds to the public’s miscon ceptions about milk labeling. Ex tended shelf life (EXL) milk, which can last 40 days, is mis leading to a customer who com pares the shelf life of fresh milk to the extended shelf-life milk. Comsumers are inclined to be lieve that EXL milk is fresher be cause the listed date is extended. Also store managers prefer to stock longer-lasting products, and are more inclined to stock shelves with it. On the other hand, many con sumers don’t like the taste of the EXL milk and may equate that flavor to all milk, and cease pur chasing milk. Dairy products have always been a vital part of the Martin family’s menus. Since Carla con tinues to learn more about dairy nutrition, she has become more vocal with friends and peers in stressing the importance of using real dairy products not choco late-flavored water or whipped topping. She reminds friends that sodas contain 12 teaspoons of sugar all empty calories. Carla has quite an impressive array of talents, in addition to speaking and writing. She plays piano for her church worship team, sings solos and in concert with other family members for churches and even writes songs and music for performances. Carla has also won awards for her photography, taught Ag in the Classroom sessions, led week ly religious education classes in public schools, and coached an elementary school volleyball team. Carla was the former Man heim Fair Queen and was named The 300-acre Danda Farm is home to Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Carla Martin. Her family operates an organic dairy and beef operation and raises 50,000 broilers for the New York live market. one of the five finalists for the Pennsylvania Fair Queen title. She has taken classes at Lancaster Bible College. Her hobbies include horse back riding, music, sports, 4-wheeler riding, and scrapbooking. The Martin family has had many interesting sto ries to tell about what its like growing up in such a large family. The parents consider it a work in progress, and one that constantly needs to be reevaluated. For instance, when David wanted to buy a 4-wheeler for the chil dren’s recreation, Bobbin convinced him the vehicles were too dangerous and suggested buying camp horses for the children. Within the first year, nu merous children suffered broken arms and sprains from falling off a horse. The family decided it was time to get rid of the horses and buy a 4-wheeler. Fortunately, they haven’t had an acci dent. People often ask how the Martins can afford so many children. David said, “We receive more fulfill ment from our children than the farm.” The Martins believe that Lancaster Farming, Saturday, December 6, 2003-A23 The Martin’s eldest son, Joshua, is in the farm part nership with his dad and coordinates the farm work. The family’s three farms adds up to about 300 acres. Addi tional acreage from neighboring fields are also farmed. too many people see children as a liability and prefer money over children. Robbin said, “The Lord has al ways provided our needs. We see God provide in so many unex pected ways, such as people with show dogs asking to purchase the bones from the organic meat we raise. “Who would ever have thought someone would be will ing to pay for the bones?” she asked. The Martins believe that chil dren should be raised to become re sponsible citi zens, and should be given respon sibility at a young age so that when they are adults, it is not a shock. Josh oversees most of the farm operation on its 300 acres plus additional rented land. Carla and Susanna prepare a milking schedule. Four family members are assigned to help with each milking. One of those assigned is always a younger family member to help them ac quire experience. Eight-year-old Noah is the youngest to assist in milking du ties, but the quickest to arise to help with the morning milking. A Swing-14 parlor was installed to milk the 120-130 cows. “Success is finding satisfaction in work” is a concept promoted by the parents. But that doesn’t mean it’s all work and no play on the farm. Most of the older chil dren are involved in volleyball. (Turn to Page A 24) ncaster Each CAP Available At Lancaster Farming, 1 East Main St., Ephrata, PA PLUS Shipping & Handling $2.50 Add’t Cap and Shipping @ $4.00 Each Phone 717-626-1164 rming
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