By Ann Kieler, WMMB Board MemberDistrict 22
Kieler Farms, Inc., Platteville, WI
Just the thought of summer elicits images of sunshine, picnics, and ice cream and the smell of fresh cut hay. Many picnics have been had on our farm in the shade of a tractor in one of our many farm fields. Often, these are also the time for a brief family meeting to discuss family, the farm or even local events. Kieler Farms is a multi-generational family farm. We are lucky that two of our four children and their spouses have joined in the farm. Each have their responsibilities on the farm and highlight each of their strengths and interests. It's great to have our kids close-by and now raising their own children on the dairy.
If you are like my family, doing hay this spring and summer has meant a lot of trust in the weather! Thankfully, we just finished with second crop as the most recent storms are passing through and more rain is in the forecast. There's really nothing better than the smell of fresh cut hay, is there? Just driving down the rural roads in Wisconsin with the windows down and one smell of it has me searching for the field that was just cut.
Another one of my favorite things in the summer is ice cream. Cooling off after a long day of doing hay and other farm chores is made a lot easier with ice cream. There's nothing quite like a root beer float or strawberry smoothie to finish off a hard day's work! While these are pretty standard recipes for my family, if you are looking for something more to make with your ice cream, check out the recipes on www.EatWisconsinCheese.com. There's a whole selection of ice cream recipes on WMMB's website such as Peach Cherry Ice Cream, Brie Ice Cream, a delicious S'more Ice Cream Cake and Key Lime Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches.
When I think of summer I also think of fairs and festivals. While the Grant County fair doesn't happen until late summer, I have plenty of family and friends around the state whose local fairs are getting underway! I'm always amazed at the talent of our youth when I go to the fair. Besides supporting the dairy show, I make sure to visit the photography and foods displayed. Every year I'm impressed by the baked goods, surely made with natural butter! Have you seen some of the decorated cakes or homemade breads and cookies? Mouthwatering!
If fairs and festivals aren't your thing, check out WMMB's website for some dairy fun events! Head to www.DairyDaysofSummer.com for a list of farm breakfasts and events that are happening all across the state that celebrate our industry all summer long!
7.07.2015