Dairy Day

Home school field trip, we went to the dairy to see where milk comes from.  

The flag was flying beautifully on this warm spring day!

Half the group of kids...the other half were already started on the tour.

Nice Cow...The girls give milking a try.  

Relay race...who can fill it to the line the fastest?

At milking time, each cow is squirted with a cleaner, wiped off, prodded to let down, and each teat squeezed a bit, before they attach the milking machine.  700 cows!  Twice a day!

Awe...relief!

These cooling tanks are emptied one a day.

Cow's body temps. are 101 degrees.  Sophie is feeling how warm the milk is when it comes out, then feels a second tube, after it has been cooled for storage.  Quite a difference.

Manure separater...the liquids from the solids...they dry and reuse the solids.  

Little farm girl on a mission

New calf, enjoying the warm sun!

Grandma finds one that wants to latch on. 

I am ok with petting, but don't think I want my finger in there, Grandma!

Grandma is persistent...even tries bribery...."I'll give you a piece of candy"  

Sophie, "I already have candy."

Nope, I'll just stick with petting and letting him nibble my pants!

Mmmmmm....organic CHOCOLATE milk!  Cheers!