TIMONIUM, Md. — While milking cows has gone high tech for most dairy farm operations, traditional hand-milking is the mother of invention. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to learn the traditional way of milking a cow, when Baltimore County Farm Bureau Young Farmers host the Milk It fundraiser in the MY Maryland State Fair Cow Palace, Aug. 26. and 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Sept. 2 through Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Milk It will provide educational information about Maryland’s dairy industry. And, for a small fee, interested fairgoers may take a lesson and try their hand at milking a cow. Participants will learn a new skill and will receive a special treat.
“When the general consumer picks up a gallon of milk from the store, they rarely stop to think about how it got there. Milk It offers firsthand knowledge of dairy cows, how to properly hand milk a cow, and the importance of milk in our diet.” said Baltimore County Farm Bureau President and Milk It Chairperson Jo-Ann Chason. “Over the years, we have had great feedback about how special this experience is for participants. From parents reporting that their children waited the entire year for the fair to come around so they can milk a cow again to adults wanting to check it off their bucket list. We enjoy the interaction with the public and many of the expressions when they touch a cow for the first time are simply priceless.”
All proceeds from Milk It will be used to benefit Baltimore County Farm Bureau Young Farmers program.
Admission to the fair is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (62 and older) and $3 for children (6-11). Children five-years-old and younger are admitted free. Rides are individually priced. Limited parking on the Fairgrounds is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $5. Taking the Light Rail is recommended. Visit www.marylandstatefair.com.
— Maryland State Fair