A Dairy Farmer’s Favorite Lesson for Kids
Some of the best lessons about dairy happen when agriculture comes directly into the classroom. Local partners from 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau, and other agricultural organizations help students connect what they eat and drink every day to the farms and people behind it. Dairy farmers and local ag educators were asked to share how they bring dairy to life for students, the farm facts kids love most, and their advice for helping the next generation learn more about dairy.
Milky Way Farm in Starr, SC
Milky Way Farm had a unique opportunity this summer to connect with families at Dairy Day events held at branches of the local public library. Kids and parents met a dairy calf from Milky Way Farm and learned what cows eat, the technology used on the farm and how grass is turned into the glass of milk they enjoy. Farmer Iris also read the book “Tales of the Dairy Godmother” to the group. Iris fielded a lot of questions about dairy calves and the steps involved in milk processing.
Cresthaven Farms in Galax, VA
Located in Kentucky’s bourbon country, Cowherd Dairy is recycling in an interesting way. The farm receives a byproduct of the distilling process from a local bourbon distillery, which they use in their cows’ daily feed. Dairy cows can digest many byproducts from food manufacturing, which would otherwise be sent to landfills. Cows use these waste products to make nutritious milk that we can enjoy.
Dr. Jess Boone
Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication
College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia
Dr. Jess Boone supports K-5 teachers is through Georgia Farm Bureau's Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) program. She believes the best way to make dairy relatable is to connect it to students' everyday lives. Nearly every child has eaten cheese on pizza, enjoyed ice cream, or poured milk over cereal. Starting with those familiar experiences helps students understand that dairy begins on a farm and involves many people before it reaches their table. Hands-on activities, storytelling, virtual and in-person farm experiences, and conversations with local farmers all help students see the real people behind their food.
Dr. Liz Eckelkamp
Associate Professor and Dairy Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee and The Dairy Alliance work together to support many dairy youth activities, including a poster contest, Dairy Month Chairperson contest, Dairy Quizbowl, dairy Skillathon, farm days and the AgRoundup program. Dr. Eckelkamp’s favorite fun fact to teach kids is the 4 compartments of a dairy cow's stomach and all the foods they can upcycle!
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