The Mobile Dairy Experience (MDE) kicked off its 2025 tour season in March with energy, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of ‘moo-mentum!’ Across five events in both rural and urban communities, the MDE connected hundreds of New York students and community members to the people, products, and practices behind their favorite dairy foods.
Kicking Off at Attica Central School – March 19-20
We couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the tour season! With the help of our incredible host at Attica Central School, the MDE delivered 22 educational sessions to K–4th grade students over two sunny spring days. This event also aligned with National Ag Day, and featured a special ceremony honoring the New York State National Ag Teacher of the Year.
The fun didn’t stop when the school day ended—an evening community event drew nearly 1,000 attendees, including 30 local vendors and agricultural groups.
Our kiosk activities revealed a 68% Dairy Knowledge Index, and the most scanned grocery item during the event? Heavy cream! With over 2,150 barcode scans, it’s clear our guests were curious and engaged.
Two Jersey calves from Rudgers Register Jersey farm and a Holstein calf provided by Breezyhill Dairy made the experience even more memorable for visitors.
Randolph Central School – March 24
Despite chilly weather and a few snow flurries, the students (Pre-K through high school) at Randolph Central School came ready to learn! During both the school day and evening sessions, guests explored the MDE alongside local vendors and even a couple of calves from Durows Dairy Farm.
The Dairy Knowledge Index hit 77%, the highest of the month!
Special guests included NY State Dairy Ambassador Olivia Shawley and the County Dairy Junior Ambassador, who both stopped by to show their support.
Buffalo Community Schools – March 26 & 28
Our urban outreach continued with visits to Stanley M. Makowski and Highgate Heights Schools in Buffalo. While some students were unfamiliar with farms or dairy practices, their curiosity was piqued once they entered the MDE.
At Highgate Heights, teachers were excited and supportive, and students asked thoughtful questions. Though overall participation was a bit lower (given most students didn’t have phones for scanning activities), both schools made valuable connections to New York’s dairy industry.
Groton Jr-Sr High School – March 31–April 2
We wrapped up March in Groton, NY, with a three-day visit that saw K–12 students rotating through the MDE. Students were excited and engaged—especially by Zoe, a 4-day-old calf provided by Fouts Farm!
March MDE Impact: Overall Numbers
- Total Attendance: ~3,155 students, faculty, and community members
- Product Barcode Scans: 3,400+
- Dairy Knowledge Index: Up to 77% at some events
- Calves On Tour: 6 adorable, four-legged, educational ambassadors
- Total Impressions: 20,000+ across local media and community traffic
The MDE’s first month on the road was a true success—connecting students to the science, people, and passion behind New York dairy. From first-time farm encounters to thoughtful questions from curious kids, March set the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Stay tuned as we bring the Mobile Dairy Experience to more communities across the state!
To see where the MDE is headed next month, visit our Calendar of Events.
