Maurice, Iowa — The month of June is wrapping up — that means Dairy Month is too.
To celebrate June Dairy Month, dairy farmers across western Iowa are inviting the public to a family-friendly event at Dykstra Dairy near Maurice tonight. The 8th annual event will include a dairy farm tour, free food and kids’ activities from 4 to 7 PM. Parking is available at the farm, located at 34450 C-12 (That’s three miles west of Highway 60 on C-12, or a mile and a half east of Hwy 75 on C-12. The June Dairy Month Celebration is sponsored by Western Iowa Dairy Alliance and Midwest Dairy Association.
Visitors are touring Dykstra Dairy, including opportunities to see where cows are milked, where they are housed and fed, and learn about the role of milk and dairy products in a healthy diet. Veterinarians, nutritionists, dairy farmers and other experts are available to answer questions.
Following the tour, guests enjoy a free meal of barbecue beef sandwiches, as well as Blue Bunny ice cream treats provided by Wells and milk provided by Dean Foods.
The open house features a Kid’s Fun Zone with games, activities and the chance to meet dairy calves. In addition to dairy, kids will have the chance to learn about beef cattle, soybean, corn, and other agricultural products from representatives of Iowa State University Extension, 4-H, Iowa Food & Family Project, Sioux County Cattlemen and other groups. Mikayla Lien, Iowa State Dairy Princess, will attend and kids can make their own crowns to be royalty for a day.
Darin Dykstra, owner of Dykstra Dairy says they are proud to celebrate June Dairy Month and the ways dairy makes sense for families today. He says that the open house is a great opportunity for people to see where those dairy products get their start and how today’s dairy farmers are caring for animals and being good stewards of the land.
