WEST BEND, Wis. — The state of Wisconsin is home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s total dairy farms, and 95% of them are family owned, according to Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
One family has broadened their dairy farm in West Bend to include an educational opportunity.
What You Need To Know
- Roden Barnyard Adventures started back in 1995. Eighteen years later, it has expanded by inviting kids to learn about farming and agriculture
- This summer alone, more than 500 kids will come by for a week of fun and learning on the farm
- Kids get a chance to feed the animals, wash them and take care of them. They also learn how the cows are milked, and aspects of the dairy industry
- The goal of the camp is to get kids exposure to animals and agriculture, and hopefully, inspire the next generation of Wisconsin’s farmers
Roden Barnyard Adventures started back in 1995. Eighteen years later, it has expanded by inviting kids to learn about farming and agriculture. The idea has been very successful.
This summer alone, more than 500 kids will come by for a week of fun and learning on the farm. Jacki Moegenburg runs this part of her family’s farm and said it’s extremely rewarding.
“It means a lot to me that people are interested in coming out,” Moegenburg said. “Farming is a lifestyle. We lived it and breathed it for my whole life. Both my parents grew up on farms as well. So, for people to be interested and eager to learn, definitely brings me a lot of joy.”
While at camp, kids between the ages of four and six years old can take part in the little farmer program. Kids who are 7 to 13 years old can take part in the regular camp programming. For kids who are 10 to 14 years old, there is an advanced camp.
Kids get a chance to feed the animals, wash them and take care of them. They also learn how the cows are milked, and aspects of the dairy industry.
“I think for me, the fact that they understand and see where some of their food is grown and raised makes everything worthwhile,” Moegenburg said.
Abigail Zarling is 9 years old and has been coming to cow camp at Roden Barnyard Adventures for the past few years. She said her favorite part about camp is getting to feed the animals and interact with them.
“We always get to feed the cows and the animals and do fun things,” Zarling said.
The goal of the camp is to get kids exposure to animals and agriculture, and hopefully, inspire the next generation of Wisconsin’s farmers.