Iowans of all ages will have the chance to experience modern dairy farming this June, as the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team celebrates dairy month across the state.
Three dairy open houses are planned, beginning with the Iowa State University Dairy Open House, June 2, at the university farm south of Ames.
Visitors here will learn about cow comfort, dairy production and sustainability, view a live milking parlor in action, and take a guided tour of the farm with campus and extension staff. Tours and dairy treats will be available from 7 a.m. until noon.
Breakfast on the farm
On June 24, the public can enjoy Breakfast on the Farm, held from 8:30 a.m. until noon at Iowa’s Dairy Center in northeast Iowa, south of Calmar.
Organizers will serve a wholesome breakfast complete with Dad’s Belgian Waffles, sausage and delicious dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream – all locally produced and processed. Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm and there will be activities for all ages, including hand-milking a cow, a petting zoo, story time with a local dairy princess, cow inflatables and educational exhibits.
Dairy is the fifth largest agricultural business in Iowa, generating $5.6 billion a year in economic activity from farming to dairy processing, supplying 22,000 jobs with a labor income of $891 million. The annual economic impact of a single dairy cow is more than $25,400 per cow.
Event details
June 24, Breakfast on the Farm, at Iowa’s Dairy Center, 8:30 a.m. until noon, located at 1527 Highway 150 S., Calmar, Iowa. Breakfast on the Farm will be held rain or shine. Donations are accepted the day of the event and parking is available on-site.
