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Once Upon a Dairy Farm

On Pinterest, I created a Summer Living List of things that I do as well as others I’d like to explore this summer. One of the activities that made it to the board was taking a family trip to a dairy farm. Last month, we did just that. We went on an adventure to YonEd, a private dairy farm, in Union Mills. We attempted this trip twice, both times we got lost, but were able to recover the second time around. #nevergiveup #timeforagps

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We were welcomed by Alice Lindborg, owner of YonEd. She invited us in her home for some ice cream treats. When I mentioned my blog, a collection of my thoughts, she showed us a journal that her great grandfather had written in the 1800’s. It was covered lightly in dust. It was like being inside of a movie. That moment when an elder pulls out a box of treasures and children gather around for a story. It was perfect.

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After our snacks, we headed out for our tour.

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The dairy cows eat and rest in this shelter away from the elements (bedding, unpictured, to the far right).

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Dairy cows eat forage. Four stomach’s worth.

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The milking parlour.

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The girls leaving the parlour were quite curious and gave Jayden some lovin’.

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This milk cooler can store up to 4,000 gallons of milk!

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Taking a look at the birth certificate of a Holstein cow (dairy cow). Their name starts with the name of the farm, followed by an ID number, and unique name. Ex: YONED 570 Devin Dusty.

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Jayden got to help mix milk for the…

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…heifer calves,…

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…and sit in a tractor with Mrs. Lindborg! He was fascinated by the horn – boys!

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Note to self: keep extra shoes in car for toddlers who give their shoes away to curious cows. (we got the shoe back)

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Father-son moment to cherish.

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Squintastic family.

More photos on Flickr…

Our visit to the dairy farm was one to remember. It was definitely one of the many learning experiences that awaits us. And the photos that I took? I’m so happy to have them. Unordinary feels so right.

Our visit was arranged by the Midwest Dairy Association. Expenses for our little trip were covered by Midwest Dairy Association as well. While not required to blog about our visit, I wanted to because we had a really good time. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Vern Hundt

Monday 7th of January 2013

This was such a cool story to read. My mother Ellen (Van Scoik) was born in the Lindborg house in 1916. She lived one-quarter mile east of there most of her life until she died in 2009. I grew up with the owner, Yon Lindborg, and spent many great hours at their farm when I was a child. I live west of Chicago now and the last time I saw Yon when my mother passed away, but I hope to take my children and grand-children to visit YONED Farm some day. My youngest son is a Vet now, and he would appreciate it the most. Thanks for the story. It brought back a lot of good memeories.

Leontien

Tuesday 16th of August 2011

It looked like you had a wonderful time at the dairy!

Hope you will find more time to visit other dairies!

Thanks for sharing Leontien

Emily @ Zweber Family Farms

Monday 8th of August 2011

LOVE, LOVE the photos, especially the one of Jayden getting cow kisses. What a great experience for your family. It is amazing that the blogging world has connected so many of us whose paths might never have crossed. Keep up the good work!

Homemom3

Saturday 23rd of July 2011

I would've blogged about this one too, these are the types of trips I love and adore. Totally out of the elements but very educational. I would've loved to have sat down and listened to the stories. I must ask since I didn't see it pictured do they still milk cows ummmm, uhhh the old fashioned way (as my kids would put it)? If so did ya'll get to try it? I've never done it but my daughter got to do it when she did a school trip to one. Love the pics.

Sheena

Saturday 23rd of July 2011

@Homemom3, Thanks! They use machines in the milking parlor. It would have been cool to milk some cows by hand, teets and all! Hahaha!

Shelly

Saturday 23rd of July 2011

This post was put together so nicely! I really love your photos and it looks like everyone had a great time. What a cool experience! :)

Sheena

Friday 5th of August 2011

Thanks, Shelly! We're still on a high!

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