South Dakota’s 13th Annual Dairy Fest

ELKTON, S.D. — A day on the farm was hosted by Crosswind Jersey Dairy June 6 near Elkton. Dairy fest volunteers expected 1,500 visitors to get an up-close look at a dairy farm where families had the opportunity to see cows being milked, visit calves and learn firsthand where their milk comes from.

Crosswind Jersey Dairy, owned by the Stefan Temperli and Fernando Diaz families, milks 2,500 registered Jersey cows. The dairy was established in 2004 after the Temperli family relocated from Canada in search of opportunities to expand.

“In Canada, the quota system made growth very difficult,” Temperli said. “We came here in 2003 and started the dairy in 2004 with 500 cows. Since then, we’ve expanded to 2,500 cows and developed a separate heifer ranch nearby.”

Visitors touring the farm had the chance to see the dairy’s double-25 parallel parlor in action. Cows are milked five times every two days, averaging 2.5 milkings per day.

“We like Jerseys because of their high components and feed efficiency,” Diaz said, “They are very efficient at converting feed into high-quality milk.”

South Dakota Dairy Fest was founded more than a decade ago to celebrate the state’s growing dairy industry and connect consumers with agriculture. Organizers estimate between 50 and 60 volunteers helped make the event possible this year, including dairy industry representatives, suppliers, FFA members, university students and local supporters. This was Crosswind Jersey’s second time hosting the event since its inception.

“We like to help the dairy industry,” Diaz said. “Whenever we’re asked to participate in opportunities like this, we’re happy to do it.”

Dairy Fest committee members select a host farm each year within 30 miles of Brookings to accommodate transportation and tours connected with South Dakota State University’s dairy facilities. SDSU donated and helped to serve ice cream to the farm visitors.

For many visitors, Dairy Fest provides a rare opportunity to experience a working dairy firsthand and gain a better understanding of where their milk comes from.

Danielle Boehm was a first-time visitor to Dairy Fest. She drove an hour to give her daughters the opportunity to see the dairy farm.

“I want my girls to see and understand farm life,” Boehm said. “This is our first time attending Dairy Fest, and the girls are loving the cows.”

The event has evolved over the years from a traditional carnival setting to a farm-centered experience. Activities included educational exhibits showcasing genetics, milking, animal health and nutrition, to bounce houses, games and face painting, all designed to attract families while showcasing dairy farming. A free grilled cheese sandwich meal was served along with chips, cheese sticks and milk.

“It is very consumer-driven,” said Darrel Rennich, a Dairy Fest founder. “We want families to bring their kids out to see where milk comes from, touch a calf, watch cows being milked and understand the process behind the dairy products they eat every day.”