It seems the Johnson family at Johnsons Rolling Acres somehow ordered perfect weather for Dairy Night on the Farm on Saturday, June 17, 2017.
The event, which is hosted by the Fillmore County American Dairy Association, was held at Johnsons Rolling Acres near Peterson, Minn., this year.
Dairy Night on the Farm offers those who do not live on a farm to come and spend some time learning about what farmers do and gives farmers an opportunity to see how other farmers operate their farm.
The evening was sunny but not too hot and a slight breeze was in the air, which kept everyone comfortable while touring the farm and enjoying festivities. Wagon rides were offered to and from parking areas and many families enjoyed the ride, as it is not often that some people get a wagon ride.
Farm tours were given which adults and children enjoyed, but the kids especially liked seeing the livestock and of course, their favorite were the calves.
The kids had a great time throughout the evening as they had a blast jumping up and down with siblings, friends or newly made friends in the bounce house from Hanson’s Inflatables.
Balloons by Kevin provided entertainment while making balloon creations of all kinds and also gave the children a colorful and fun souvenir to take home with them. Anika Steele, 8, daughter of Craig and Sara Steele of Plainview, Minn., requested a balloon duck, which Kevin was happy to create for her.
Another activity for the kids at Dairy Night on the Farm was making cow hats which they wore the rest of the evening and were happy to take home with them, while kids and adults could give milking “Bessie” a try. Bessie is a demonstrational milking display.
Not only was there a corn pit surrounded by hay bales for the littlest farmers to play in, but there was also a little green dinosaur hiding in the kernels and whoever found the dinosaur won four tickets to the Minnesota Zoo, courtesy of Wabasha County Family Night on the Farm.
There were many different educational displays and farm equipment on hand for those in attendance to take a look at. Two little guys, brothers Parker Hinckley, 2, and Dallas Hinckley, 4, sons of Adam and Rachel Hinckley of Chatfield, Minn., seemed to be most interested in the farm equipment as they kept going back to see it all again.
Benson Farm Service shared their expertise in dairy nutrition which is vital for dairy farmers and their cattle.
Dairy Royalty and Ambassadors attended Dairy Night on the Farm, not only meeting and visiting with many attendees, but also helping out wherever they were needed.
Fillmore County Dairy Princesses Haely Leiding, Abby Hopp and Makala Nauman had a great time counting how many things there were to do at Dairy Night on the Farm and posting their progress on the Fillmore County Dairy Princess Facebook page as they completed every activity.
Hopp is also one of twelve finalists competing for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title and we at the Fillmore County Journal wish her the best of luck as she pursues her dream of becoming the 64th Princess Kay of the Milky Way.
The Dairy Princesses and Ambassadors also served delicious vanilla, chocolate and twist flavored shakes which are always very popular, especially on a summer evening on the farm.
The ideal picnic meal was served at Dairy Night on the Farm which included grilled hamburgers or cheeseburgers cooked to perfection by the Fillmore County Cattlemen, baked beans, potato salad and cheese curds with white milk or chocolate milk to drink.
It was a fantastic Dairy Night on the Farm 2017 with great weather and even better people. Ellen Johnson says, “It was amazing” to have such beautiful weather and to see so many people attend.
It is approximated that between 1,300 and 1,400 people attended Dairy Night on the Farm, according to Trinity Johnson. Trinity said the event was “a huge success” and was a “great, great event” for the entire family.
Trinity could not stress enough that all the volunteers made the difference, saying, “We had lots and lots of great volunteers helping us,” and adds, “we couldn’t have done it without them” and all of their hard work.
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