Dairy producers and consumers meet to celebrate the excellence of dairy.
Area dairy producers have joined forces with local industry leaders to host Dairy Fest, an event that is designed to engage both consumers and dairy enthusiasts. The inaugural, first-of-its-kind event was held last year with a vision to bring all sectors of the dairy industry together to celebrate the importance of the dairy industry. From youth to adults, this event provides something for everyone. Held in Brookings, individuals from the community and surrounding areas can come and learn about dairy's impact.
Dairy Fest is held in conjunction with two prominent area dairy events, the Central Plains Holstein Dairy Show and the South Dakota State University Dairy Club's Dairy camp.
Thursday, June 4th, 2015
Youth Dairy Judging Contest
Events begin on Thursday afternoon, June 4th at 2 p.m. in the Swiftel Arena with an opportunity for area 4-H and FFA dairy judging teams. The contest is a great opportunity for area teams to kick off their summer judging seasons with a dairy judging contest.
Friday, June 5th, 2015
Youth/Family Dairy Carnival
Area day cares and youth are invited to attend the carnival held throughout the day on Friday, June 5th in the Swiftel arena. Several hands-on "myth busters" style learning stations set up at the Swiftel Center. Stations provide a wide range of activities from cheese making to a chance to feed a baby calf. The carnival will continue on Saturday morning for youth and their families.
"Got Milk Gala"
The "Got Milk Gala" is the premier event, held Friday where dairy will be the highlight of the five course meal. Perfectly paired wine will complement the dairy flavor. While enjoying the meal, government officials, industry influencers and dairy producers will be sharing the importance of dairy to the Brookings community, state and surrounding area. Cheese produced from South Dakota processing plants will be featured at the meal.
Saturday, June 6th, 2015
"Cow to Cup" 5K
A "Cow to Cup" 5K race will kick off the Saturday, June 6th morning events. Runners will be educated on the nutritional benefits of dairy as a refueling beverage. Funds from the race will go to SD Ag in the Classroom and the SDSU Dairy Club. The preregistration cost is $25 which includes a t-shirt. Registration at the event is $35. To register visit www.allsportscentral.com.
Central Plains Holstein Show
Back at the arena, alongside the carnival, some of the area's finest dairy cattle will be showcased in the Central Plains Holstein show.
Guided Dairy Farm and Processing Plant Tours
Bus tours will be available to experience a modern dairy farm, Hilltop Dairy, at 9 a.m. and noon. The bus tour also includes an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the South Dakota State Davis Dairy Plant to see where the famous cookies and cream ice cream originates.
"Know Your Neighbor" Open Forum
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the "Know Your Neighbor" open forum will take place. The public is encouraged to attend and ask questions about the dairy community and dairy farming neighbors. Finally, a free luncheon is open to the public following the forum.
April Johnson, a Dairy Fest committee member and representative from AMPI, a local dairy processor says, "Dairy Fest is a unique event that brings together multiple facets of the dairy industry to celebrate an industry that proudly produces nutrient-rich dairy products." Furthermore, Darrell Rennich, Dairy Fest chair, "We are fortunate to have a strong dairy presence in our area. This is an opportunity to educate and celebrate."
For more information about Dairy Fest, please contact Darrel Rennich at (605) 695-3676 or drennich@diamondv.com.
Dairy Fest Schedule of Events:
Thursday, June 4th
12: 30 pm SDSU Dairy Camp Begins- SDSU Campus
2- 4:00 pm Youth Dairy Judging Contest- Swiftel Center
Friday, June 5th
10 am-2 pm Youth Dairy Carnival- Swiftel Center
6 pm "Got Milk Gala"- Swiftel Center
Saturday, June 6th
7 am "Cup to Cow" 5K Registration- SDSU Dairy Bar Parking Lot
8 am "Cup to Cow" 5K Race Begins- SDSU Dairy Bar Parking Lot
8 am Central Plains Holstein Show- Swiftel Center
9 & 10:30 am Guided Tours- Davis Dairy Plant and Brookings Area Dairy Farm- Leave from Swiftel Center
9am-Noon Youth Dairy Carnival Swiftel Center
10:30 - 11:30 am "Know Your Farm Neighbor"- Open Forum- public welcome! Swiftel Center
11:30 - 1:00 pm Public Free Luncheon- Swiftel Center
Dairy Fest is an annual event put on by dairy producers, processors and industry leaders to bring the community together to celebrate the dairy industry.
5.1.2015