Eat Through Iowa During June Dairy Month

Well, June is Dairy Month, and Iowa’s dairy farms are celebrating with farm tours and dairy tasting events around the state.

You’re welcome!

Here are a few of the family-friendly Iowa events being promoted by the Midwest Dairy Association and the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance:

• Time: June 6, 6-11 a.m.


• Location: Iowa State University Dairy Farm, 52470 260^th St, Ames, Iowa (Directions from U.S. Highway 30: Take University Boulevard Exit (146) and go south one mile. Turn right on 260^th St.)


• Details: Free samples of milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream! Farm tours begin at 6:30 and end at 10:30.


• Note: I’ve attended this open house in the past. It’s a great event! My family and I plan to attend this year. See you there!

• Time: June 10, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.


• Location: 24342 Westgate Road, Neola, Iowa


• Details: This open house, presented by the Campbell family, DeLaval and Dairy Farmers of America, will feature free lunch (freewill donations accepted), a farm tour, and innovative dairy technologies.

• Time: June 10-11


• Location: Fredericksburg, Iowa


• Details: Fredericksburg has been celebrating Dairy Days for the past 90 years. The two-day event includes a 5K race, a parade, a cattle show, a milkshake contest, and (of course) great food!

• Time: June 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.


• Location: Agropur cheese plant, 332 Division St., Hull, Iowa


• Details: Enjoy free cheeseburgers, chips, milk, and ice cream (freewill donations benefit local FFA and 4-H programs). The event also includes children’s games and a small petting zoo.

• Time: June 21, 8:30 a.m. – noon


• Iowa's Dairy Center, 1527 Highway 150 South, Calmar, Iowa


• Details: Breakfast will include Dad’s Belgian Waffles, sausage and dairy products produced in northeast Iowa (freewill donations accepted). Families can participate in guided tram tours, meet some calves, milk a cow, see new robotic milking units in action and visit educational exhibits.

• Time: June 26, 4 – 7 p.m.


• Location: Plymouth Dairy Farms, 23505 K-49, Le Mars, Iowa


• Details: Tour the farm and enjoy a free meal, with cheeseburgers or hot dogs, Dean Foods milk and Blue Bunny ® ice cream treats.


• Bonus: Le Mars is known as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” so you don’t have to worry about them running out!

• Time: June 29, 1 – 4 p.m.


• Location: Scott & Tricia Holdgrafer farm, 20070 328^th Ave., Bellevue, Iowa


• Details: This eastern Iowa event is a local favorite and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It includes a free lunch (freewill donations accepted), a farm tour, activities for kids, and various food samples.