Pancakes, eggs, locally sourced — ice cream, cheese curds, butter, sausage, and maple syrup are just a few items that can be found on the menu at June Dairy Month events. A staple for many on the weekends, people flock to these “dairy breakfasts” to get a taste — along with a visual — of what the dairy industry has to offer.
Initially started in 1937 as “National Milk Month,” June Dairy Month began as a marketing tactic for distributors to promote their milk during the warm summer months. Since 1939, June has been recognized as June Dairy Month; this is a recognition many of us take seriously as summer rolls around, especially here in the Badger State.
As a way to promote our dairy state and the dairy foods it has to offer, many counties throughout Wisconsin offer a hearty breakfast filled with homegrown products. These breakfasts are often hosted by farmers who have volunteered their farm as the venue for these breakfasts to take place. Typically, each year a new farm is chosen to give people the chance to see how things are done differently on various operations.
After indulging in a delicious breakfast, attendees often have the chance to tour the farm, getting an up-close look at exactly where and how calves and cows are housed along with what they eat and how they are fed on a day-to-day basis. Watching cows be milked allows consumers to make the connection about the process that milk goes through to get from the cow to the bulk tank.
For tractor enthusiasts, farm equipment and antique tractors are proudly on display by various implement dealers and tractor clubs. Often participants will have the opportunity to sit in the tractors and see what the inside looks like. Many people say it is their favorite part of the day.
Ponies, rabbits, goats, sheep, llamas, puppies, and more may be on display in a petting zoo. If you enjoy polka music, you might want to bring your dancing shoes along to groove to Wisconsin’s state dance, and if you’re any good at trivia, consider testing your dairy knowledge at the trivia booths.
Dairy breakfasts have something for everyone. Whether you are involved in the agriculture industry or not, make it a point to attend a dairy breakfast this June. If you are in Wisconsin, there are several options every weekend. Hopefully you will walk away with a bit more knowledge, a gained appreciation for the dairy industry, and a full stomach.
For a complete list of Wisconsin dairy breakfasts, visit:
https://www.wisconsindairy.org/national-dairy-month/Dairy-Breakfasts
Jenna Byrne is an associate editor for Hoard’s Dairyman. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2022, majoring in agricultural business with an emphasis in communications and marketing. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm near Neillsville, Wis.
