Iowa is gearing up for an exciting celebration of Dairy Month with a series of open house events designed to provide educational farm visits to the public. Throughout the month of June, the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team will organize these events to showcase the advancements and practices in modern dairy production while offering a deeper understanding of the industry.
The festivities kick off on June 2 with the Iowa State University Dairy Open House. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of dairy farming, including cow comfort, sustainability, and dairy production. Live milking parlor demonstrations and guided farm tours will provide firsthand experiences. And of course, there will be delicious dairy treats to enjoy.
On June 14, the Meissner family's farm near Hospers will open its doors for an open house event hosted by the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance and Hickory Hill Farms. Attendees will get a chance to explore the milking parlor and cow barns while learning about the farm's rich history and growth.
The celebrations will culminate on June 24 with "Breakfast on the Farm" at Iowa's Dairy Center in Calmar. Attendees can indulge in a wholesome breakfast featuring locally produced dairy products. Guided farm tours, hand-milking demonstrations, and engaging activities for all ages will be available to create an immersive experience.
These open house events provide a unique opportunity for Iowans to connect with the dairy industry, gain insights into its practices, and appreciate the hard work that goes into producing high-quality dairy products. So, mark your calendars and join in the Dairy Month celebrations to discover the remarkable journey from farm to table.
For more information and specific event details, please reach out to Fred Hall in northwest Iowa at 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu. In northeast Iowa, you can contact Jenn Bentley at 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu. Gail Carpenter is also available at ajcarpen@iastate.edu.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate Dairy Month and explore the wonders of dairy farming in Iowa!
Event Details:
June 2: Iowa State Dairy Farm Open House, located at 52470 260th St., Ames. Time: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
June 14: Hickory Hill Farms, located at 4045 400th St., Hospers, Iowa. Time: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
June 24: Breakfast on the Farm at Iowa's Dairy Center, located at 1527 Highway 150 S., Calmar, Iowa. Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Rain or shine event. Donations accepted on the day of the event, and parking is available on-site.
Photo Credit: The Dairy Alliance
Categories: Iowa, General