Summer is officially here, and what better way to celebrate July than with a bowl of ice cream? July is National Ice Cream Month, and we at the American Dairy Association think that calls for a celebration.
On Friday July 8th we hosted the Ice Cream Social on the Circle downtown Indianapolis. This annual tradition brings folks from all walks of life together for $3 sundaes, a chance to meet our celebrity scoopers, help a great cause, and of course, visit with some cows!
Steve Hendress from Purdue, along with the Indiana Guernsey Queen, brought a two-year-old Holstein cow and two calves—one Holstein and one Brown Swiss. The calves were born three days before the event and were a popular attraction. Dolly, the cow, was such a sweetheart. She loved all the attention and was great with the cameras and the kids.
Between masses of kids, media cameras and curious business people, our dairy tent was busy the entire three hours. Many of our visitors were interested to learn that a cow must have a calf before she can start producing milk, and this happens usually around two years of age. We answered tons of questions and visitors left with a little better understanding of agriculture and the dairy industry.
All proceeds from the ice cream social benefited the Indiana Diabetes Youth Foundation. Many volunteers from the foundation were on hand to help scoop ice cream and celebrate this great cause.
If you missed the ice cream social, you can still celebrate Ice Cream Month a few days late with a delicious milk shake from the Dairy Bar at the State Fair. Located just outside the dairy cattle barn, it is always a huge hit. And it’s not a wonder why. Who doesn’t love a milkshake on a hot August day? New on the menu this year is our Grilled PepperJack on Sourdough. If you are looking for a grilled cheese sandwich with a kick to it, this is for you. After you grab a milkshake and grilled cheese, head over to the dairy cattle barn to visit with some calves, meet some dairy farmers and learn more about how cows are milked. The fair runs August 5th through the 21st.
In the meantime, take the kids out for ice cream and don’t forget to thank a dairy farmer for providing this delicious summertime treat. See you at the State Fair!
Filed under: Dairy, Entertainment, family, Farm, Indiana, Indiana dairy Farmer, Indiana State Fair, milk | Tagged: ice cream, Ice Cream Social, July Ice Cream Month |
So, what happened to the cute calves from the July 8th Ice Cream Social in Indianapolis after their PR gig? Did anyone explain to the children what happens to male calves?
Just wondering, in the interest of fair disclosure and all.
Thanks for your question.
Dairy farms are set up to produce milk, which requires female cows. Historically, male calves have been sold to other farmers to produce beef.