Here in America's Dairyland, it's fun and fascinating to actually connect with the cows and the personable farm families who bring us the delicious, nutritious milk and dairy products we enjoy. You can make those connections for yourself on an adventure that's close to home and low-cost, when you tour a Wisconsin dairy farm.
More than 50 Wisconsin dairies offer tours, and each one is unique. These farm families make it easy to "get out on the farm." For a unique adventure that's close by and low-cost, take the family on a farm tour.
My enthusiastic recommendation is based on personal experience. I didn't grow up on a farm. So when I began working for Country Woman magazine 30-some years ago and started traveling to farms to work a day with the family, I was nervous, sure I'd be getting in over my head.
The personal touch
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I quickly learned that cows in far-off pastures appear much bigger up close in busy milking parlors.
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Looking back, I was "udderly" unprepared for my early visits to dairies. But my friendly hosts took me under wing, and it was learn-as-you-work. Those bucolic cows I'd seen in far-off pastures turned out to be mighty big up close! Especially when I stood several feet below them in the milking parlor, trying to put on the milkers.
I learned that cows have personalities. There's a pecking order in the herd and a "lead cow" that comes in first to be milked. Some cows can be a bit pushy and bossy; others are more laid-back and friendly. They're all big eaters and give five to ten gallons of milk a day.
Cows come first on a dairy
As I dragged myself out of a warm bed in the wee hours to go to the milking parlor with my hosts, I was clearly reminded that the dairy business is 24/7, 365 days a year. Talk about commitment!
On middle-of-the-night barn checks, I was thrilled to discover a brand new calf in the stall and even more excited to witness a birth in process.
The new calves are so cute, and hungry! Instead of just one baby or maybe twins, there may be dozens of hungry mouths for the farmer to bottle feed. Hold on tight to the bottle, 'cause the calves really guzzle!
A far cry from Ol’ McDonald’s
While farm families still have the strong commitment and work ethic, many of the businesses are larger and accommodate multiple families. They have modern equipment, such as computerized record-keeping and GPS navigation. They are constantly finding ways to improve cow comfort and nutrition. And they use environmentally low-impact methods of manure handling and land tillage.
And, instead of simply selling milk wholesale, some farm businesses have added value by making ice cream, cheese or other dairy products to sell.
"My farm visits have been a learning experience beyond compare, highlights in my life and career."
~ Ann Kaiser
For example, at Dennis and Roxanne Schopf's Hilltop Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, visitors learn what it took to increase the herd from 50 to 575 cows. The Schopf's double-ten milking parlor accommodates 20 cows at once, and they can milk 80 cows an hour. Plus they make premium ice cream right at the farm. Visitors can see how it's done, sample some of their 30 flavors, enjoy cones and sundaes at their farm store and buy ice cream to take home.
My farm visits have been a learning experience beyond compare, highlights in my life and career. Even though I've recently retired from my full-time work at the magazine, I still do workdays at farms, ranches and country businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada for my "Editor in the Country" article series. Readers say they love "traveling with me."
Nothing beats being there
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School trips give children a chance to learn where milk comes from and how family dairy farms are important to food production and Wisconsin’s economy.
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Don't take my word for it. You can see it yourself. I think it's fabulous that agri-tourism is on the rise. In Wisconsin, agriculture is the largest industry and tourism is second. The two naturally go hand in hand.
School field trips to farms are more popular than ever. Children drink it all in—and make the important connection between the farm and the food on their table at home. (My grandkids couldn't stop talking about the cows and farm equipment, smelling the hay, seeing calves and taking a hayride.)
Farm tours aren't for kids alone. Adults will be fascinated to learn about state-of-the-art technology that's made it possible to manage larger herds while still knowing the particulars of each cow.
Dairy farms open for tours are scattered around the state, so you're sure to find one that's close to home or to fit in as part of a family vacation. Many of the tours are free. If there is a charge, it's nominal.
Are you ready to go? Hope so. I promise that you'll enjoy getting out in the country. You'll learn lots about how food is produced and animals are cared for…and have a really great time!