Each month, we will post the 2014 Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar’s photo of the month. Featuring photos of Bay State farming, the calendar is available for purchase. All photos were taken by amateur photographers who won the annual Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar Photo Contest. Proceeds from the $10 calendars benefit Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, a non-profit organization that works with teachers to develop classroom materials. The calendar features a winning photograph each month, as well as interesting facts about local agriculture.

Hay bales and farm equipment during a blizzard at the Imbier-Monson Farm in New Braintree. Photograph by Susie Mulliken.

January’s contest winner was Susie Mulliken, who photographed Imbier-Monson farm in Braintree during a blizzard as hay bales and equipment quickly turned white with snowflakes.

When the weather warms and the cows are out of the barn, the Imbier-Monson farm is dotted with Brown Swiss dairy cows. No, these are not the cows that help make Swiss cheese. Farmer Neil Monson grew up with the breed and knows them best, appreciating that Brown Swiss generally live longer than your average dairy cow. The cows produce a Brown Swiss milk with high butterfat and protein. These qualities offer a significant price premium that remains steady in all market conditions. The Imbier-Monson farm is also a contributor to the Cabot Cheese Creamery of Vermont.

Tags: #snow, agriculture, Brown Swiss Cows, cheese, DAR, Department of Agricultural Resources, education, farmers, Imbier-Monson Farm, Massachusetts Agriculture Calendar, weather, winter