An evening of dairy fun

NEW ULM, Minn. — From little kids to senior citizens, people of all ages flocked to the Steve and Kerry Hoffman farm south of New Ulm for family night on a farm July 23. An estimated 675 people attended on a beautiful evening that was sandwiched between two streaks of unbearably hot weather.

Visitors came to tour the farm, go on wagon rides, meet dairy professionals, and — of course — enjoy dairy treats. From 4-8 p.m., they took part in as many activities as they wanted.

The Hoffmans hosted the every-other-year event for the ninth time. They partner with the New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club to put together a fun and educational evening. The Hoffmans provide the location and the club provides setup and clean-up assistance, workers and promotion. The cooperative event also involves many others, including area agribusinesses, dairy princesses, FFA members, neighbors and more.

Special guest for the evening was Malorie Thorson of Waverly, the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way.  She narrated special milking demonstrations on the hour. Since the Hoffmans no longer milk cows, the Schroeder family of Courtland brought three cows to the site and set up the demos in what had been the holding area for the Hoffman parlor.

New Ulm FFA member Alex Schroeder went through the milking process step-by-step as Princess Kay explained what he was doing. She fielded many questions, especially from kids.

Dairy princesses and ambassadors from Nicollet and Brown counties led children’s activities and assisted at educational stations. New Ulm FFA members provided face paintings and parked cars.

Visitors were encouraged to take a walking tour of the farm and to visit with ag experts, including animal nutritionists, beekeepers, an agronomist, soil and water conservation representatives and county pork ambassadors.

This year’s event expanded its scope to include sheep, piglets and turkeys, along with the dairy calves, in “animal alley” under the shade trees in the Hoffmans’ backyard. Beef cattle were in another area.

The most popular guys of the evening were Delbert Fischer Jr. and Delmar Ranweiler, who drove tractors for wagon rides, pulling specially designed people mover wagons. All ages were anxious to get on the wagon for a short trip down the road.

Dairy treats were another favorite of the evening. Compeer Financial provided ice cream bars, and the hub club furnished Go-Gurt, milk and root beer floats.

With grilling by the Redwood Area Cattlemen Association, the hub club offered a cheeseburger, chips, cookie and milk meal. Dairy farmer Nick Stadick provided concertina music, playing on the front lawn throughout the evening.