A cow of every color

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — Under a red-and-white-striped tent in the middle of town, a collection of colorful cattle gathered June 15 on the lawn of the Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine. Here, visitors could meet the seven milking breeds — Holstein, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Jersey, Red and White Holstein, Ayrshire and Milking Shorthorn — in one location.

“The ability to see not only real dairy cows, but all seven breeds of dairy cows in one place, is very unique and one of the best features of Dairy Day at the MOOseum,” said Merrilee Lee, director of the Hoard Historical Museum. “The event helps educate many different segments of our community about dairy and the dairy industry.”

The highlight of the day was the parade of breeds down Foster Street in Fort Atkinson. Spectators included kids with balloons in hand who lined both sides of the street, watching the cows walk by as facts were shared about each breed.

Approximately 800 people and 13 dairy animals attended Dairy Day at the MOOseum, which offered activites for all ages. Free to the public, this year marked the event’s 10th anniversary.

Kids could get their faces painted to resemble their favorite cow breed and play games like pin the udder on the cow. New this year was a pedal tractor pull contest. It was joined by returning favorites like a cow decorating contest, scavenger hunt and a calf naming contest. Ashley Hagenow, the 76th Alice in Dairyland, also made an appearance.

Dairy treats were available for purchase, including grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream floats named after the different breeds, such as the Guernsey float which featured vanilla ice cream and orange soda. The Brown Swiss float was a concoction of chocolate ice cream and root beer, and the Milking Shorthorn combined vanilla ice cream with Dr. Pepper.

A cow from every breed and several calves and heifers of various breeds were on exhibit, and people could interact with animals before and after the parade.

Two area farm families supplied the cattle. The Lundy family brought a string of 10 animals, showcasing all breeds except Jersey. Scott and Deb Lundy and their daughter and son, Megan and Mark, milk 60 cows near Jefferson. Deb is also a member of the Dairy Day committee.

“I like educating the people,” Deb said. “They don’t understand that cows can be family cows too, not just commercial cows. They can’t believe how big the cows are and will ask if they can pet or even hug them. Adults want to pet them more than the kids do; kids like the calves better.”

The Lundy family has supplied cows every year since the event began. It started when the museum called Deb in search of a Red and White Holstein.

“I said, ‘Yeah, we have that,’” Deb said. “Then they asked about another breed and if we knew anyone with that type of cow. People have sold out, so it can be hard to find some of these breeds, but we had that breed as well. Megan works at the Stade Auction Center near Jefferson, so between (us), we have a variety of breeds to bring. Megan’s favorite part is taking the cows on parade.”

For the third year in a row, Lydia Fink and her family brought the Jerseys. The Finks milk 40-45 cows near Fort Atkinson. This year, they provided three animals: a Jersey cow and calf as well as an Ayrshire calf.

“I like being able to show off a hardworking cow, but I also enjoy the kids coming and petting the animals and seeing the expressions on their faces,” Lydia Fink said. “They are surprised how big and soft and cuddly they are.”

Dairy Day continues to grow each year, Lee said.

“We have a wonderful event committee who continually envisions new aspects,” she said. “For example, a few years ago, we added the painted cow form contest as a way to engage more of the community prior to the event, and each year, that contest has grown in numbers.”

The three-dimensional wooden painted cows lined the sidewalk of the museum yard – a colorful greeting as people arrived at Dairy Day. Attendees voted for their favorites by dropping a penny into the jar in front of the cows they liked best.

The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum were open for guests to explore exhibits during the event.

Dairy Day at the MOOseum was started as part of a celebration of Gov. W.D. Hoard’s birthday, which falls in October. However, after the first year, Lee said it seemed more fitting to host the event in June during June Dairy Month.

“Dairy Day highlights the importance of dairy farming, past and present,” Lee said. “For people like me who don’t live on a farm, it’s an opportunity to have a better appreciation for our farmers. At Dairy Day, everyone has the opportunity to meet a real-life dairy farmer and learn more about their lives and work.”

For a decade, Dairy Day has been a celebration of cows and all things dairy.

“My family enjoys it and likes answering the questions,” Deb said. “We look forward to this event every year.”