The farm-breakfast tradition has been going on for almost 50 years in recognition of the hard work that makes Wisconsin America’s Dairyland. Wisconsin’s dairy industry generates about $43.4 billion a year, according to the trade group Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
Though it’s been a grueling couple of years for dairy farmers, an overwhelming majority of Wisconsin’s dairy farms milk 200 cows or fewer. Wisconsin is home to more than 1.2 million cows, and the average farm here milks 163 cows, far below the national average herd of about 250.
Going to one of these breakfasts helps support Wisconsin’s signature industry and the farmers who make it run. Here are some of the best places to visit this month so you can join in on the farm festivities:
June 15, Hanke Farm, Sheboygan Falls
Celebrating 100 years of operation as a family-owned farm, the Hanke families will welcome everyone to celebrate with them with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt and fruit. Activities will include a tractor pull, cheese tasting and an interactive exhibit featuring Addie the cow.
Admission: $8, $3 for children age 3 to 6, and free for children younger than 3.
N6368 Willow Rd., 7 a.m.-noon
June 15, Mighty Grand Dairy Farm, Union Grove
Kenosha County’s farm breakfast features farm tours, barrel train rides and old-fashioned kids’ games. Coffee will be sold by the Brighton Bombers 4-H.
Admission: $6, but free for children under 6.
22811 18th St., 6:30-10:30 a.m.
June 15-16, McFarlandale Dairy, Watertown
The Watertown Agri-Business Club’s 51st annual Dairy Breakfast will showcase a petting zoo, farm tours, live music and ice cream along with a delicious breakfast of eggs, pancakes and sausage.
Admission: $8 and $4 for children 6 to 10. Children age 5 and under are free.
N302 County Road K, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 15, Walworth County Fair Grounds, Elkhorn
The Walworth County Farm Bureau’s dairy breakfast features crowd-pleasing events including a milk juggling contest as well as a coffee cake bake-off. There will also be a craft fair and farm exhibits, a full breakfast and ice cream.
Admission: $8; children 5 or younger are free.
411 E. Court St., 6.-10:30 a.m.
June 15, Cows in the Courtyard, Brookfield Library, Brookfield
Even if you can’t make it to a farm for Dairy Month, you can still get your cow fix at this free event in the library’s courtyard featuring games, dairy treats and the stars: a cow and a calf from Cozy Nook Farms.
Admission: free
1900 N. Calhoun Rd., 10:30 a.m.-noon
June 22, D&D Sunnyside Beef, Ripon
The Ripon FFA Alumni’s 32nd annual farm breakfast features a homemade meal at D&D Sunnyside Beef.
Admission: $8 and free for children age 5 or younger.
7435 Sportsman Rd., 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
June 22, Jasperson Sod Farm, Union Grove
This breakfast flips the Dairy Month script by being held on a sod farm, but rest assured the full breakfast will include strawberry-topped ice cream as well as classic ‘50s-‘90s songs performed live by JB Kickin’ Band. For the kids, the family-owned farm will feature a petting zoo, games and prizes, and a sod-cutting field demonstration.
Admission: $6 and free for children 3 and younger.
22901 Burmeister Rd., 7-11 a.m.
June 23, Loehr Farm, Eden
Hosts Ron and Mary Loehr’s event includes a farm tour as well as animal exhibits, displays of antique tractors and a tractor pull. Breakfast is eggs, cheese, ham and more, and ice cream sundaes will be available for $1. All proceeds will go toward the Envision Greater Fond du Lac Agricultural Ambassador Program.
Admission: $7, children aged 5 and under are free.
W1851 Mushroom Rd., 8 a.m.-noon
