This farm offers educational programs and field trips that give students a hands-on understanding of dairy farming and milk’s journey from farm to table. With a rich history, being in the Hansen family for over 150 years, it began processing its own dairy products on-site in 2004. School groups are invited to experience the farm through interactive tours that include activities such as milking a cow, bottle-feeding calves, and even petting kangaroos, the farm’s mascot. You can be confident that your students will leave with a wealth of knowledge about dairy farming.
These field trips are not just fun; they are also highly educational. Structured to focus on various aspects of dairy farming and agriculture, students get to ride a trolley around the farm, participate in butter-making, and sample the farm’s ice cream and other dairy products.
In addition to physical visits, Hansen’s Dairy is part of Iowa’s Dairy Story program, a statewide initiative that collaborates with the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation to provide resources and curriculum support for teachers. As a participant in this program, Hansen’s Dairy contributes to the educational mission by providing firsthand experiences of dairy farming and processing. This program aims to teach students about dairy farming, nutrition, and the science behind dairy products. Resources available for educators include lesson plans and videos that can be integrated into classroom learning.
