Valley students visit Dairy Expo at Calmar

By Joelle D

The Valley FFA students have already started their busy year.  Last Thursday, thirty-seven students visited the Tri-State Dairy Expedition at Calmar Dairy.   The students were split into two groups: dairy cattle group and dairy food group.  The dairy food students identified milk samples, cheese samples, and compared real and artificial dairy products, applying the knowledge gained through their classes.  The dairy cattle students judged four sets of cows and gave reasons why they placed them in that order. 

Students also learned a variety of new skills while at the event.  They had lessons on judging dairy cattle classes, proper lighting use in barns, ventilation in barns, and they participated in a number of other activities.  Some students were also given a tour of the facilities at Calmar with the explanation of how the buildings are used. 

Brittany Amundson, one of the Valley students attending, enjoyed her day at the expedition where she participated in the dairy foods group.  When asked about her favorite part of the day she replied, “I liked seeing how Calmar Dairy runs their business.”  She felt that it was important to participated in the dairy foods session because it gave students the information they need to tell what dairy products are real and what is imitation.  She, along with her classmates, had a great time and recommends the trip to future FFA members. 

Upcoming events for the FFA include Soil Judging and National FFA Convention.