SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Agriculture United for South Dakota is pleased to announce five events to celebrate June Dairy Month and recognize South Dakota’s dairy farm families. At each event, dairy farm families will be opening up their farms for free, family-friendly open houses and tours. The dairies will showcase the diversity of South Dakota’s dairy industry as well as give the public an opportunity to see first-hand where the dairy products they enjoy get their start. Each open house will include a free meal and a tour of the dairy farm.
Open houses and tours will be held at:
- June 3 – Lunch on the Dairy Farm, Golden Dakota Dairy, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. As part of the annual Dairy Fest activities, Golden Dakota is hosting tours of their dairy farm and a free grilled cheese lunch for visitors. Busses will depart from the Swiftel Center in Brookings every half hour for the farm tour. In addition, don’t miss the carnival, tours of the SDSU Dairy Plant, and many other activities in Brookings. More information at www.facebook.com/sddairyfest.
- June 10 – 10th Annual Breakfast on the Farm at Royalwood Dairy, 48170 266th St., Brandon, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The open house event has become an annual tradition for the Ode family, as well as many families in the Brandon and Sioux Falls metro areas. Join the family for a tour of their 380 cow dairy farm. Local farm equipment dealers will bring tractors and other equipment to display, and all visitors will enjoy free pancakes, milk and other dairy treats. Children’s entertainer Phil Baker will perform at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m, and ‘Hood Magazine will host a “Make and Take” craft project throughout the morning. Parking will be at Riviera Events Center (3 miles east of Sioux Falls on Hwy 42 or 5 miles south of Brandon on Hwy 11) with shuttles running to the farm. Limited handicap accessible parking is available at the farm.
- June 24 – MoDak Dairy Open House, 46516 171st St., Goodwin, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Moes family invites you to join them for an open house and free grilled cheese lunch. You will be able to tour their 2,000 cow dairy and learn about how the dairy products you enjoy get their start!
- June 29 – Know Your Milk Tour, Sioux Falls, Stensland Farms, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This evening tour will provide an opportunity to see a robotic dairy in operation and see the creamery where the Stensland family processes milk, cheese and ice cream. Visitors can meet the family, ask questions, and enjoy a free meal with cheese and ice cream samples. Application deadline for this tour is June 19. Space is limited, so visit www.agunited.org/2017farmtours to register today.
- July 9 – Pechous Dairy Open House, 304 428th Ave., Tabor, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Don’t miss your opportunity to see a new 250-cow robotic dairy in action! Visitors will meet dairy calves, see the new robotic milking system, ask questions of the dairy farm family and enjoy a free meal. No registration required.
Dairy farm families in the U.S. have celebrated June Dairy Month for more than 75 years, and Ag United has hosted open houses in honor of June Dairy Month since 2008, giving thousands of South Dakota families the opportunity to meet dairy farm families and learn about this important industry. South Dakota dairy farms produce about 274 million gallons of milk and generate about $436 million in milk sales each year. Visit www.midwestdairy.com to learn more about dairy production and the role of dairy products in a healthy lifestyle.
“Open house events and dairy farm tours provide a terrific opportunity for South Dakotans to see firsthand where the wholesome dairy products they enjoy get their start,” said Rebecca Christman, outreach director for Ag United. “Dairy farm families are committed to caring for their animals and land, and we appreciate the families who take time to host open house events to share their efforts and love for dairy farming with the public.”
These events are sponsored in part by South Dakota Farm Families and Ag United, Midwest Dairy Association and South Dakota soybean farmers and their check-off.
Visit www.agunited.com, South Dakota Farm Families on Facebook, or @AgUnited4SD on Twitter for more information on June Dairy Month events or other activities.
Ag United was developed through a collaboration of farm organizations that support livestock production and development and includes the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, South Dakota Dairy Producers, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Pork Producers Council, South Dakota Poultry Industries Association and the South Dakota Soybean Association.
— Ag United for South Dakota
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