Rolling hills, lush green pastures, and the temperate Wisconsin climate create the perfect home for our state’s robust $52.8 billion dairy industry. There are plenty of opportunities to consume delicious dairy delights on any occasion, from chocolate milk to cottage cheese, or my personal favorite, strawberry ice cream. Wisconsin’s 5,300 dairy farms also create vibrant agritourism opportunities and inspire events that celebrate our state’s signature commodity. Agritourism is on the rise in Wisconsin, allowing people to travel to farms, agricultural establishments, and experiences that showcase the diversity of agriculture and especially dairy.
Perhaps the most well-known events for the dairy agritourism calendar are June Dairy Month breakfasts and brunches. This 60-year-old state tradition honors Wisconsin’s rich dairy heritage and provides a chance for the local community to connect with farmers right on their homestead. Attendees can learn more about dairy farming while enjoying a hearty breakfast and activities that are fun for the whole family. I fondly remember the days at my own “Columbia County Moo Day Brunch” when I scooped ice cream for the many visitors with my 4-H club, the Arlington Prairie Producers.
Another unique event that highlights America’s Dairyland is Cows on the Concourse, which takes place right on the Capitol Square in Madison in conjunction with the famous Dane County Farmers Market. This event brings the farm to the city with entertainment, educational stations, and quality Wisconsin dairy products. The stars of the show are the cows that travel from local farms to “meet and greet” attendees, creating special moments for many people. As a volunteer, I loved watching people’s eyes light up when they saw a cow up close for the first time.
Festivals that elevate our beloved dairy products are also incredibly popular around Wisconsin. Cheese Days, hosted in Monroe, is a celebration that centers around the deep-rooted craft of artisan cheesemaking in Green County. Wisconsin is home to nearly 1,200 licensed cheesemakers, some of whom have earned the special title of Master Cheesemaker. These experts produce over 600 types, styles, and varieties of cheese— almost double any other state! Cheese Days also puts the Wisconsin experience at center stage by featuring polka dancing, locally crafted beverages, and a grand parade with dairy royalty.
For those interested in a hands-on learning adventure, the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc provides interactive exhibits and guided tours of local dairy farms. Visitors can explore the journey of milk from farm to table, learn about sustainable farming practices, see new innovative dairy technologies, and if you’re lucky enough, witness the miracle of a calf being born.
Whether you’re interested in farm activities, educational tours, or community festivals, Wisconsin’s agritourism and abundant dairy events offer a wide range of celebrations with a little something for everyone. These experiences showcase our state’s hardworking dairy farming families and their promise to produce wholesome, nutritious products for all of us to enjoy. To find your next dairy-fueled adventure, visit wisconsindairy.org. I hope to see you there!
— Sarah Hagenow is the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at sarah.hagenow@wisconsin.gov. Sarah will officially begin her term on July 7.
