The Mobile Dairy Experience has covered a lot of miles this summer! Throughout July and August, the MDE traveled to festivals, county fairs and special events across New York State, giving visitors a closer look at where their dairy products come from.
At each stop, guests stepped inside to test their dairy knowledge, try milking our life-sized cow and learn more about the people, animals and work behind New York dairy.
Starting July at Jones Beach
July began with a trip to Long Island for a busy holiday weekend at Jones Beach. Between all the excitement outside—including an unforgettable Blue Angels flyover—visitors stopped by the MDE to learn more about dairy farming in New York.
This event gave us the chance to reach people from many different places and bring dairy education to one of the state’s most recognizable destinations.
A Taste of Dairy in Buffalo
Next, the MDE headed west for the Taste of Buffalo, where thousands of visitors gathered to enjoy food from across the region. With support from Upstate Farms, we were able to give guests a look at the agriculture behind many of the dairy foods they enjoy every day.
We were also joined by volunteers from Cuba-Rushford and Franklinville FFA, as well as the Erie County Dairy Ambassadors. Their help and enthusiasm made it possible for us to connect with even more visitors throughout the weekend.
Peppermint Days in Lyons
Our next stop brought us to Lyons for Peppermint Days. This community celebration gave families another fun way to spend part of their summer weekend while learning something new along the way.
Inside the MDE, visitors asked questions, explored modern dairy farming and put their milking skills to the test. We always enjoy visiting events that bring entire communities together, and Peppermint Days was no exception.
A Week at the Saratoga County Fair
From Lyons, the MDE traveled east for the Saratoga County Fair.
County fairs are one of our favorite places to talk about agriculture because visitors are already surrounded by animals, exhibits and local farm families. Throughout the fair, guests stopped by the MDE to learn more about cow care, dairy technology and how milk travels from the farm to their table.
Thank you to King Brothers Dairy for bringing our guys some milk and the Galway FFA for volunteering and interacting with guests!
Connecting with Cayuga Milk Ingredients
July came to a close with two days at Cayuga Milk Ingredients in Auburn. This stop gave employees and their families a closer look at the farms and people at the beginning of the dairy supply chain.
Visitors toured the MDE, tested their dairy knowledge and took part in some friendly competition. We were proud to work with Cayuga Milk Ingredients and Cayuga Marketing to connect dairy production and processing in a fun, hands-on way.
August Begins at Cheddar Fest
Our first August stop brought the MDE to Cheddar Fest, where visitors came ready to celebrate all things cheese.
Guests explored the exhibit, asked questions about dairy farming and learned more about how milk becomes the cheese and other dairy products found in their homes.
A special thank-you goes to Porterdale Farm for helping us bring a calf to the event. Having a calf onsite gave visitors an up-close look at dairy farming and led to plenty of great conversations about how farmers care for their animals.
A Week at the St. Lawrence County Fair
After Cheddar Fest, the MDE headed north to Gouverneur for the St. Lawrence County Fair. Ryan and Brian spent the week welcoming fairgoers, answering questions and sharing more about New York dairy.
One of the highlights was hosting a group of summer school students for a hands-on agricultural experience. We are especially thankful to Jessica Smith and her daughter Rosie for allowing us to include one of their Jersey heifers in the visit.
The students had the chance to learn by seeing, touching and asking questions—exactly the kind of experience the MDE was created to provide.
Our Next Stop: The Great New York State Fair
The Mobile Dairy Experience has now arrived at the Great New York State Fair!
This year, visitors can find us at the new Dairy Discovery Center. Guests can step inside the MDE, test their dairy knowledge, try milking our life-sized cow and learn more about the care and work that go into producing milk across New York State.
The State Fair gives us the opportunity to meet people from every corner of New York, and we are excited to spend the next two weeks answering questions, having conversations and sharing the story of dairy farming.
Still on the Moo-ve
July and August have taken the MDE from Long Island to Western New York, the Capital Region, the North Country and plenty of places in between.
Thank you to the sponsors, farmers, volunteers, FFA members, Dairy Ambassadors, event hosts and everyone else who helped bring these stops together. We are also grateful for every visitor who stepped inside, asked a question and took the time to learn something new.
Our time at the New York State Fair is just getting started. If you are visiting this year, come find us at the new Dairy Discovery Center and say hello!
