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Connecting dairy to consumers at the Nebraska State Fair

Diary exhibits at this year’s Nebraska State Fair are connecting younger consumers to the ag industry.

Tracy Behnken with Midwest Dairy says Nebraska’s Largest Classroom is one of the marquee attractions. “We have dairy farmers, staff and ambassadors that engage with the students, the teachers and paras. They give them the basics of what the milking process is, explaining cow care and then they receive the chocolate or white milk of their choice.”

She tells Brownfield the effort also raises awareness about where food comes from. “They’re always impressed that milk from the farm to the grocery store is less than 48 hours. We’re building in the facts and consumer knowledge based on their questions that we have an opportunity to present to them.”

And, she says, “We also want to hand down things to the next generation to keep agriculture going. Building trust with those consumers important because once they grab the milk, cheese, yogurt or whatever product they get, they’re confident that it’s going to be safe, nutritious and available to them.”

This year’s exhibits include dairy cows on display and milking demonstrations in the milking parlor

The state fair runs through Labor Day.