Area dairy producers invite you to be their guest at the 2016 Dairy Fest Celebration, June 2-4. This three-day event is designed for all ages to learn about dairy. Friday and Saturday events are free and open to the public.
Darrel Rennich Dairy Fest Chairmen says, "This event is truly unique as it brings together multiple facets of the industry to celebrate the nutrient-rich benefits of dairy products and the many people – from farmers to processors to chefs – who play a role in delivering dairy to consumers.
Nicolien Hammink, area dairy producer and Dairy Fest committee member says, "As dairy farmers we enjoy the opportunity to share our dairy farming story, which is exactly what Dairy Fest is all about. We like to let people know how well cows are cared for, you will be able to see this first-hand through the dairy farm tour."
Don't miss this unique event in celebration of June Dairy Month. Following are details about each of the events:
Picowsa's of the Central Plains Contest
Area 4-H, FFA and high school students are invited to submit their best art work in the Picowsa's of the Central Plains contest. Each group may submit a painting on a 4 x 8 plywood panel showcasing their dairy artwork abilities. Their work will be displayed throughout June Dairy Month at Dairy Fest and other Brookings locations. Awards will be given to the winning groups. The deadline to submit work is May 20.
Got Milk Gala
The "Got Milk Gala" is the premier event, where dairy will be the highlight of the five course meal, featuring locally produced cheese. Perfectly paired wine will complement the dairy flavor. While enjoying the meal, community and state leaders, area business owners, industry leaders and dairy producers will be sharing the importance of dairy to the surrounding area.
This year's keynote speaker will be Donna Moenning of the Center for Food Integrity, who is an SDSU alumnus. Donna is an empowering speaker and trainer, having presented to hundreds of producers, university experts, industry representatives, agricultural youth, food companies and agriculture organizations through the years and across the United States. The event will take place on Thursday, June 2 at 6:30 pm. To purchase a table or seat, please call 605-692-7539 by May 15.
Fork to Farm: Dairy Educational Event
Youth are invited to attend the Fork to Farm Dairy Educational Event. Participants will learn how dairy cows produce milk and how milk is turned into dairy products. This hands-on event will include a tour of the SDSU Dairy Farm and the opportunity to make homemade ice cream. Participants will learn what cows eat, how milk is produced, what products are made from milk and career opportunities in the dairy industry. These activities are designed for youth between the ages of 8 -12 years old. Activities will start at the Swiftel Center, followed by the tour at the SDSU Dairy Farm with session one running from 9:30 am – 11:30 am and the second runs from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Each session is two hours which includes 1 hour of
classroom and 1 hour of touring at the SDSU Dairy Farm. Daycare Centers and youth groups are encouraged to attend. Transportation and chaperones are not provided. Pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact Tracey Erickson at 605-882-5140, or email at Tracey.Erickson@sdstate.edu
Family Dairy Fest Carnival
The farm comes to you at the Dairy Fest Carnival on Saturday, June 4. Stop by the Swiftel Center in Brookings for several hands-on family friendly activities. A live animal petting of cows/calves, farmer relays, combine bouncy house, milk dunk tank, corn box, straw bale maze, 5 gallon pail stack, corn hole toss, bobbing for cheese sticks, cow chip putting, and cow
milking are just some of the activities that will be at this year's event. There will also be a HyVee "cooking with dairy" demonstration along with the opportunity to get your picture taken with the SD Dairy Princess. FREE SDSU Ice cream will be served until it's gone for carnival participants. The carnival will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend.
Cooking with Dairy Demonstrations
Another new item this year will be cooking demonstrations. A Hy-Vee dietitian will demonstrate how to create a healthy, dairy-filled breakfast called Overnight Oats. Recipe cards will be available for you to recreate this breakfast at home! The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, June 4 at between 10 am and 1:30 pm at the Swiftel Center.
Cow to Cup 5K Fun Run/Walk
Cow to Cup 5K race will kick off the Saturday morning events. Registration begins at 8 am and the race begins at 8:30 am. Refuel after the race with a delicious glass of chocolate milk. Funds from the race will go to SD Ag in the Classroom and the SDSU Dairy Club. The preregistration cost is $30 which includes a t-shirt. Registration at the event is $35. To register visit www.allsportscentral.com.
SDSU Davis Dairy Plant Tours
Wondering how the SDSU ice cream is made? Join us for a tour of the SDSU Davis Dairy Plant for a behind-the-scenes tour of how dairy products are made. Tours will be given at 9 and 9:30 am and buses will run continuously from 9-10 am from the Swiftel Center to bring participants to the dairy plant.
Lunch at Linde Dairy Farm
Join us for a free lunch and free bus tour of Linde Dairy Farm near Brookings. These tours will take place from 10 am until 1 pm. This will be a great opportunity to see the workings of a modern dairy family dairy farm. Free grilled cheese sandwiches will be served. Free transportation to the farm will be provided with buses leaving from the Swiftel Center. For more information about Dairy Fest, please contact Darrel Rennich ph. 605-695-3676.
Schedule of Events
5.17.2016
