Glasses of milk per day.

Who doesn't like goat ice cream?!

On March 7^th, the 4-H program held a new event for primary aged youth, 5-8 year olds. Dairy Day included hands-on activities such as making butter, assembling a dairy cow book, and participating in dairy art activities. The youth examined different types of cow food- alfalfa, cracked corn and cotton seeds and learned that it was all processed through the cow's four stomachs!

Judy Ludovise, 4-H Program Representative, led them through a comparative tasting opportunity that included goat, cow and sheep cheese. Thank you to Sonoma County Fairgrounds who lent us “Clarabelle” a model Holstein that could actually be milked!

Dairy Day included an engaging virtual farm tour, from a teacher in Hanford, who led us through the process of how milk gets from the dairy to our door. The youth were amazing the teacher could see them, through videoconference technology and could answer their questions.

The day ended with what was voted the best activity of all…eating Goat Ice Cream! This was a great introduction to the dairy cow and has undoubtedly sown the seeds of interest in these kids. Once they turn 9 years old, they will be able to enroll in a 4-H Dairy project and be on their way to becoming our future Sonoma County Dairy Farmers!