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Great Dairy Adventure gives kids chance to milk a cow

By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Learn horse keeping, how to milk a cow and see hundreds of dairy animals on display during the 30th Ag Expo July 21-23 at Michigan State University (MSU).

Milking a cow by hand and posing for take-home milk mustache photos with sports stars are just a sample of the activities offered during the Great Dairy Adventure from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 22 at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education. The pavilion is located on the MSU campus on Farm Lane between Mount Hope and Forest roads.

“The Great Dairy Adventure is an enjoyable and educational consumer event that illustrates how milk gets from the farm to the table, and it teaches the importance of consuming at least three servings of dairy foods a day,” said Shari Blonde, chairwoman of the Great Dairy Adventure.

“By participating in various hands-on activities and sampling healthy, refreshing dairy treats, children can more readily make the connection between cows on the farm and dairy products in grocery store coolers.”

Children of all ages can try their hand at milking a cow, petting calves, experimenting with dairy recipes, creating crafts and playing games, all while learning about the dairy industry. MSU athletes will also be on-site to pose for milk mustache photos with participants.
The Great Dairy Adventure is part of the weeklong Michigan Dairy Expo, the largest dairy event in the state. Michigan dairy producers and youth interested in dairy farming gather at the annual expo to compete in breed shows and showmanship contests, vie for awards in dairy cattle evaluation, quiz bowls and management contests, and more.

On July 23, horse owners and barn managers can learn about rotational grazing, body condition scoring and economical management tips during events scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

MSU Extension Educator Matt Shane will explore the possibilities for establishing rotational grazing on small acreages. He also will help participants learn how to install, move and repair temporary fencing during hands-on activities.

“The biggest problem small-scale livestock producers and horse owners face is having too little land and too many large animals,” Shane said. “If you can rotational graze, you can extend the grazing season and reduce feed purchases. It’s all about trying to maximize the efficiency of the pasture.”

Karen Waite, MSU Extension equine specialist, will offer strategies that horse owners and barn managers can use to make economically sound management decisions and will show visitors how to determine the body condition score of their horses.
“Summer is the best time to develop cost-saving equine management strategies that can be used throughout the year. At Ag Expo, we’ll talk about ways to save money on everything from hay to health care,” Waite said.

All activities are free. Visit www.agexpo.msu.edu or call 1-800-366-7055 for more information or a complete list of Ag Expo activities.

7/15/2009