The way to the barn was a well-worn, rutted path, uphill and scenic, past acres of pasture on a Illinois Centennial Farm, now in its 5th generation of dairy farmers. As we trudged up the path, we noticed most of the herd in the distance, congregating companionably under a brilliant sky. We headed toward one of the farm buildings. This was our third stop on the McHenry County Farm Stroll.
I first heard about this free event from a University of Illinois Master Gardener publication, which caught my attention. This year, 12 private farms would be opened to the public. The properties included orchard, vineyards, dairy farms, hobby farms, and the Loyola University Retreat and Farm campus.
Tom and I marked our calendars and bookmarked the event, intrigued by all the options available, familiar with the rolling hills and farmland in McHenry County, and knowing the wide and well-informed network of the University of Illinois Extension Services and Master Gardeners, as well as the McHenry County Farm Bureau.
We knew we would not be able to see all 12 farms, so, selected 4 that we were most interested in, mapped out a route and off we went for a Sunday stroll.
This dairy farm was our 4th stop and different from the others. We soon found ourselves observing the cows and their bairn eating in the barn, followed by a very informative mini-lecture on hay and straw, how hay is harvested and stored, the often “iffy” reliance on erratic weather in the midwest. Our docent in the hay stall was from the Farm Bureau and she was a gifted and knowledgeable speaker who had all ages of visitors engaged in her subject matter.
One of the farmers also walked us through a typical day of milking the cows with insight into small dairy farms versus large conglomerates, how he knows the names of all of his cows, and reminding us to check out his Guernsey cows and a calf just born who were just outside the barn.
I did take a few photos of the newborn Guernsey, which did not show well. It was not yet 24 hours old, curled into a brown ball of body and big eyes. If it had some spots I would have thought it was a fawn. Mom, however, was close by, keeping her eyes on the intruders passing by.
So it was on this enlightening leg of our Farm Stroll, that we wandered back down the path, rutted with decades of use. Onward we went, headed toward our car. We stopped as we departed to thank the volunteers stationed there who asked how our visit was – and we were given a choice of carton of milk.
White or chocolate?
We chose wisely.
I was brought up on a farm in Germany . We had cows. pigs, chickens , and sometimes geese. I remember my dad milking the cows and watching a calf being born. Thank you Penny for bringing back those memories.
LikeLike
I am so pleased that this brought back such memories, Gerlinde. You are most welcome. How wondrous that must have been for you, seeing a calf being born, and experiencing life on a farm.
LikeLike
True Moo…what a wonderful brand name! I just commented on how I’d enjoy the farm where you bought the pumpkins, and now you show me this wonderful tour! I would love this tour as well, Penny. Farming of any kind really interests me. We were away this past weekend and driving through the heartland of agriculture we commented on how terribly challenging it is for farmers today regardless of the crop. I admire those who stay the course! That first photo is really beautiful. What a great Sunday outing for the two of you!
LikeLike
I know. It is a small company, no GMOs, and we downed our little cartons of chocolate in a few gulps. It has been a long time since I’ve had chocolate milk. I was a shameful glutton. 🙂
There are only about 200 small dairy farms in this area, which includes northern Illinois and Wisconsin. They are having a harder and harder time competing with the big conglomerates and the weather is also a challenge for haying, which is what the cows mostly eat. I really admire and appreciate these small farmers who strive to keep these farms going. Water, pollinators, weather, the big guys . . . yes, it is challenging for farmers.
I think you would have enjoyed this tour, for sure, Debra. I hope they do this again next year so we can see the farms we missed. We wanted to get to one of the vineyards (Vineyards. In Illinois) and one farmer doing hydroponic lettuce – and more. That goodness for universities who support and encourage farms and these activities.
Stay tuned. I have a few more to show. 🙂
LikeLike
Love TrueMoo Chocolate milk!
I’ve never really been on a farm. I would have loved that farm tour. Thanks for taking us along, Penny.
LikeLike
It was delicious, L. Marie. I have to find it around me. 🙂
This dairy farm was so very interesting. I wish I had mentioned this tour to you as I think you would have appreciated it. There were so many to choose from. I’m hoping to another post about Trudi Temple’s farm. She is the woman who started Market Day. Stay tuned for another tour. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Glad you’ll go on another tour.
I found TrueMoo at Walmart.
LikeLike
Oooooo! Thanks. I’ll look for it soon. 🙂
LikeLike
Where would we be without our small, family farms? The Farm Stroll sounds fascinating, Penny! We have family living in that area, so we often have a chance to admire the countryside. I’ve even been to Cody’s Farm and Orchard for an event! I think we will have to put next year’s Farm Stroll on our calendar! Thanks so much for taking us along on a lovely day in the country! ♡
LikeLike
They are such hard working and remarkable places, aren’t they? This dairy farm was a good stop for us and the first one, which I just posted, was Trudi Temple”s farm. She’s the founder of Market Day. You MUST see it next year.
We didn’t tour Cody’s Farm, but, went by it. Wow! If you have a chnce next year, I encourage you to go to the Farm Stroll, Dawn. You already know the countryside, but, it is fun getting into the barns. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We will definitely watch for details of next year’s Farm Stroll. So many places sound very interesting! I must, must, must visit Cherry Lane Farm one day. I’ve already written down the details. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Penny! ♡
LikeLike
Dawn, both of you will enjoy these farms and more. We only wished there had been more time to see others, such as the hydroponics farm and one of the vineyards.
LikeLike
We enjoyed something similar in Florida — was so interesting. For ours though, we rode a bus from farm to farm with a whole group . I think we’d enjoy the way yours was set up better.
LikeLike
I only wish I had packed a picnic lunch for us, Sallie. That would have made a wonderful day perfect. 🙂 We did fine with driving and there were plenty of parking opportunities. If it had only been 4 or 5 stops, a bus might have worked better, but, because we had 12 choices, I think being on our own worked out for the best, as we changed our mind as the day wore on. Either way, it is fun, isn’t it, seeing farm life up close?
LikeLike