How Dairy Connects Visitors and Farmers at Midwest State Fairs

Every fair has something unique to offer, whether it's cookies and milk, a building dedicated to Wisconsin agriculture, or the iconic butter sculptures found in Minnesota and Iowa. Today, we're hearing the many dairy connections that bring these traditions to life, from showcasing dairy farming to highlighting the foods, exhibits and experiences visitors can enjoy at these Midwestern state fairs. Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board President Nicole Barlass shares how dairy exhibits and experiences have grown and changed over the years on the fairgrounds near Milwaukee. A longtime volunteer, Barlass discusses Dairy Lane, daily dairy and goat milking demonstrations, youth dairy shows and the award-winning products recognized through the state fair dairy products contest, many of which fairgoers can sample from the board’s stands. Next, former Princess Kay of the Milky Way Brenna Bobendreier, now Minnesota and North Dakota farmer relations manager for Midwest Dairy, highlights Minnesota's celebrated dairy traditions. She talks about the butter sculptures carved in the likenesses of Princess Kay finalists, dairy-focused educational partnerships and exhibits such as the Eco Experience and the many ways fairgoers can experience dairy during their visit. The episode concludes with Mitch Schutte, vice president of agricultural affairs at Midwest Dairy, who shares how dairy comes to life at the Iowa State Fair. Schutte discusses the iconic butter cow, student-led Parlor Talks, opportunities for visitors to connect with dairy farmers and the dairy foods and experiences that make the fair a favorite destination each year. New episodes are released every Monday after the newspaper is published, sharing the many conversations from the dairy community! Send story ideas and your comments to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Subscribe to the podcast for reminders of episodes — next episode will be released on August 10 — about the dairy community and leave a review! We look forward to bringing you this brand new way to consume Dairy Star. This is Dairy Delivery. All dairy, all the time.