By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Ag Expo visitors can go on a dairy adventure and learn about Michigan’s dairy industry, at the Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education.

More than 400 dairy animals will be on display during the 14th annual Michigan Dairy Expo at the pavilion, July 19-23. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 21, the 13th annual Great Dairy Adventure will take over part of the pavilion, with fun for the entire family.

During the free one-day Adventure, children of all ages can make a cheese “bug,” try their hand at milking a cow, pet calves,
experiment with dairy recipes, create crafts, play games and more, all while learning about the dairy industry. MSU athletes also will be on-site to pose for milk mustache photos with participants.

The event is aimed at helping people better understand the importance of Michigan’s dairy industry to the state’s economy, the multi-step journey milk takes to reach consumers and the nutritious benefits dairy products offer in people’s diets. Geared toward families, daycare providers, summer campers and children of all ages, the Great Dairy Adventure offers an opportunity to talk with and learn from local farmers and ask questions about how food gets from the farm to the table.

In addition to free dairy treats and take-home projects, participants will be able to visit one-on-one with MSU large-animal veterinary students during hands-on activities with cows. Parents and people who work with children will receive nutrition education materials that include simple, tasty recipe ideas to try at home. Everyone is encouraged to bring a camera to capture memories in the making.
“For many daycare providers, day camps, summer school programs and such, the Great Dairy Adventure is an annual event,” said Carla McLachlan, MSU 4-H and animal science event coordinator. “Every year, I begin receiving calls in early January from schools and daycares to get the date so they can be sure to attend.”

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) will distribute commemorative backpacks to each participant to carry the handouts, giveaways and prizes from the Great Dairy Adventure.
“Our hope is that kids, parents and daycare providers learn about the importance of including dairy products as part of a balanced diet,” McLachlan said. “Additionally, we’ll be sharing information about where those nutritious dairy products come from and putting a face on the ones who care for the cows 365 days a year, to make sure we are producing and delivering a safe and wholesome product to consumers.”

The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the Michigan Dairy Expo, the largest dairy event in Michigan. Dairy producers and 4-Hers gather at the annual expo to display their animals and offer educational exhibits for the public.

As part of the youth portion of the event, future dairy professionals will come together for 4-H Dairy Days to compete for premiums, ribbons and scholarships in various activities, including breed shows, showmanship contests, dairy cattle judging, quiz bowls, dairy  management contests and more.

In addition, dairy producers from across the state will compete in open class breed shows organized by the Michigan Purebred Dairy Cattle Assoc., featuring Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Red and White dairy cattle.

“Visitors to the Michigan Dairy Expo will get to see some of Michigan’s finest dairy cattle exhibited by top breeders from across the state,” said Joe Domecq, MSU extension dairy youth specialist and expo director. “More than 200 youth will also participate in various educational and leadership activities during the week. These youth represent the future of Michigan’s dairy industry.”
For the second year, the Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration auction will be July 20 at 6 p.m. in the sale arena. Champion and reserve champion winners from the second annual Michigan Livestock Expo, held the previous weekend at the MSU Pavilion, will be sold to the highest bidder.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of a gallon of milk, a pound of butter and a gallon of ice cream – representing the champion heifer, milking animal and showperson – will support the Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program.

There is no admission fee to the Michigan Dairy Expo or the Great Dairy Adventure, and parking is free. The public is invited to attend. Picnic areas will be set up on the northwest side of the pavilion, and MSU Concessions will be selling food and beverages on-site.

All activities will take place inside the pavilion, which is accessible to wheelchair users. The MSU pavilion is located on the MSU campus on Farm Lane between Mt. Hope and Forest roads.