March was a milestone month for the Mobile Dairy Experience (MDE), as the tour officially launched for 2026 and traveled across New York State to connect with diverse audiences—from policymakers and educators to families and local communities. Across three unique events, one thing remained consistent: strong engagement, meaningful conversations, and a growing appreciation for New York dairy.
Kicking Off on National Ag Day
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets | March 18
Inspiring the Next Generation
The 2026 Mobile Dairy Experience tour launched in Albany on National Ag Day with an invite-only event hosted by the New York State Department of
Agriculture & Markets. The kickoff brought together a wide range of industry professionals, setting the tone for a season focused on education and connection.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged deeply with the exhibit—asking thoughtful questions and spending extended time exploring the trailer alongside dai
ry farmers and staff. Highlights included a visit from Commissioner of Agriculture, Richard Ball, and participation from Cambridge FFA students, reinforcing the importance of agricultural education and leadership.
Guests especially valued the opportunity to speak directly with farmers and even meet a 5-day-old Jersey calf, which quickly became a crowd favorite. Feedback described the experience as “very educational, fun and interactive,” with many noting how much they learned about dairy in a short time.
Roy-Hart Schools | March 24–25
The second stop brought the MDE to Royalton-Hartland Schools for the New York Ag Teacher of the Year Award celebration—marking the second year of this impactful partnership.
Over two days, the program reached 633 students, educators, and community members, blending structured school tours with a public community event during the elementary school science fair.
Students from grades 3 through 8 explored the trailer, asked questions, and interacted with exhibits designed to make dairy education accessible and engaging. Pepper, a week-old calf, joined the experience—adding a hands-on, memorable element for visitors of all ages.
The event also highlighted the importance of agricultural education, with the award ceremony recognizing excellence in teaching and drawing media attention. Careful scheduling and strong support from local FFA students helped ensure smooth operations across both days.
This stop reinforced the value of bringing the Mobile Dairy Experience directly into schools—meeting students where they are and sparking curiosity about agriculture, food systems, and future careers.
Community Connections at Maple Weekend
Stoney Ridge Farms | March 28–29
The month wrapped up at Stoney Ridge Farms during Maple Syrup Weekend—an ideal setting to engage the public in a vibrant, agriculture-focused environment.
Despite chilly weather on day one, the event drew an impressive 912 attendees, with even stronger turnout on day two. Visitors ranged from young children to adults, creating a dynamic, multi-generational audience eager to learn.
The MDE seamlessly complemented the farm’s existing attractions, including a pancake breakfast, helping position dairy as an integral part of the broader agricultural story. Guests spent time exploring exhibits, scanning product information, and participating in interactive kiosks—resulting in 404 kiosk engagements and strong hands-on learning outcomes.
Conversations were a key highlight, with the team fielding thoughtful questions and building connections with attendees from across New York—and even visitors traveling from out of state.
Feedback emphasized the exhibit’s interactivity and educational value, with comments praising the engaging displays, farmer interactions, and opportunities for kids to learn through play.
A Strong Start to the 2026 Tour
Across all three events, the Mobile Dairy Experience reached over 1,600 people in person and generated significant additional impressions through media and community exposure. Each stop demonstrated the power of meeting audiences in different environments:
- Policy & industry engagement in Albany
- Youth education & school partnerships at Roy-Hart
- Community outreach & public interaction at Stoney Ridge Farms
From one-on-one conversations with farmers to hands-on exhibits and memorable animal interactions, the MDE continues to bring the story of New York dairy to life.
As the tour moves forward, these March events highlight a clear takeaway: when people are given the opportunity to experience dairy up close, they engage, ask questions, and leave with a deeper understanding of the industry.
