Teaching Kids About Ag

June 8, 2009
Breakfast on the Farm has something for everyone
Despite soggy weather, 3,500 attend annual event
By Andy Nelesen

TOWN OF WRIGHTSTOWN, WI — For 6-year-old Jack Teller, the best part of Sunday's Breakfast on the Farm was playing in the hay. For his cousin, Alex McKean, who turns 10 today, it was the ice cream.

For Alex's brother, Sam McKean, also 10, it was the scrambled eggs — and having his photo taken with a few Green Bay Packers players.

There was something for everyone at the annual dairy industry promotion held this year at New Horizons Dairy on Rosin Road. The farm is owned by David and Barb Van De Hey.
recent years.

Paul Hazaert, who has led the breakfast's food operation for seven years, had supplies on hand to feed 7,000 people after nearly running out of food in 2008. Sunday's crowds reached about 3,500 people, said Mark Hagedorn, ag agent with Brown County University of Wisconsin-Extension.

"Given the weather, we're pleased we got what we got," he said.

By noon, Hazaert used 20,160 eggs, 400 pounds of yogurt, 1,600 bagels, 1,500 cups of coffee, 800 pounds of sausage links and 5,000 cartons of milk — most of which were donated or supplied at cost by area vendors. Leftovers and extra supplies were headed for local food pantries, he said. Read More


Students 'fuel up with milk'
Monday, June 8, 2009
Franklin County, Virginia
By JOEL TURNER - Staff Writer

Dairy Day at Callaway Elementary School was an educational and fun event for the students and teachers.

The day was a mixture of dairy calves, cow milking, ice cream, dairy products, a farm bingo game, a poster contest, storytime, videos and learning about what cows and calves eat.

The students visited eight educational stations to learn about dairy farming, milking a cow, caring for dairy cows, dairy products, and participate in dairy-related activities, including watching videos of dairy farm operations.

They also learned about tractors and safety with farm equipment.

The Dairy Day was arranged and sponsored by several
organizations, including the Franklin County Farm Bureau, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Southern States, Homestead Creamery, Kroger, Farm Credit and others.

At one station, the students milked Bessy, the cow. At another station, they learned what cows and calves eat. At another, they could taste dairy products. They could also attend storytime while eating ice cream. Read More

Everyday when I look at what is being said about agriculture and food production in this country I am reminded how important it is that farmers and ranchers educate our consumers, and more importantly, the next generation of consumers. Today I’m highlighting two great example of people taking the time to teach agriculture to their neighbors. Congratulations to the New Horizons Dairy in Wisconsin and to the many groups in Franklin County, Virginia for their hard work.