Everyone is invited to attend Breakfast on the Farm on June 11, 8 a.m. to noon at The Dairy Center in Calmar, Iowa. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and milk. The family-oriented event includes a tour of the 250-cow dairy farm at The Dairy Center and a farm animal petting zoo.

“The majority of Iowans have never been on an operating dairy farm,” says Dairy Foundation President Gary Kregel. “We thought a Breakfast on the Farm was the perfect answer to bring people to our facility to see modern dairy practices. We think it is very important that the public understand where the dairy products they eat originate, and why dairy producers do what they do.”

Event organizers are planning attendance of about 500, with a focus on area families who don't usually have access to farms. “We hope people come with an interest in learning, and a good appetite,” Kregel says.

Dairy Breakfasts in Wisconsin and Minnesota have been held for decades, and often draw in up to 5,000 people. It is hoped that if this first Breakfast on the Farm is a huge success and become an annual event.

Kregel adds that this is a free event for those wanting to learn more about agriculture and to celebrate Iowa’s rich history of agriculture.

Two large tents will be put up for serving and eating, and the event will be held rain or shine.

Everyone will be allowed to park at the Northeast Iowa Community Based Dairy Foundation parking lot. The Dairy Center is located about a half mile south of NICC at 1527 Highway 150.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the event or working as a volunteer at the event can contact Jenn Bentley at (563) 382-2949. PD

—From ISU Extension news release