BARABOO — The Wisconsin Holstein Association Royalty team along with other local dairy ambassadors hosted a June Dairy Days event at the Hickory Hills Academy in Madison on June 16. 

There were six educational and interactive stations for varying age groups to teach the students about the nutritional value of dairy foods and where their food comes from. Station topics included everyday tools used to care for cows, what you can see on a dairy farm, how ice cream is made, the benefits of consuming dairy products, the daily responsibilities of a dairy farmer, and the journey of milk from the cows on the farm to the cartons in the store.

Students enjoyed the stations and had the opportunity to meet and pet calves, learn a fun song and dance called the “Moo Cow Song,” as well as taste ice cream that was donated by Sassy Cow Creamery.

Local dairy ambassadors that helped to lead the sessions included Maddy Hensel, Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess; Elena Jarvey, Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess Attendant; Lauren Breunig, Wisconsin Holstein Association Junior Activities Committee member; Sadie Goettl, Green Lake County Fairest of the Fair; Hayden Paske, Dane County Fairest of the Fair; and Emma Vos, Manitowoc County Dairy Princess.

Wisconsin Holstein Association is proud to co-host this yearly event with Hickory Hills Academy to provide youth with hands-on learning about the agriculture industry. With many youth being four to five generations removed from the farm, the need is substantial to provide them with opportunities to learn how dairy farmers work hard to take good care of their animals and land to produce safe, high-quality products for their communities.