Midwest Dairy continues to build connections between modern dairy farming and those shaping the future, whether they’re students exploring career paths or thought leaders driving sustainability initiatives. Two recent on-farm experiences in Illinois and Nebraska illustrate this mission by providing immersive, hands-on learning and transparent views into the dairy industry’s role in sustainable food systems.
Illinois
In partnership with Northern Illinois University (NIU) STEAM, Midwest Dairy hosted students from NIU’s high school Sustainability Camp at Lenkaitis Holsteins in St. Charles, Illinois. The tour welcomed sustainability partners from NIU’s Sustainability Office and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Led by farmer Sarah Lenkaitis, the tour offered an up-close look at how milk travels from farm to fridge. Participants explored cow care, nutrition, genetics, breeding, and the technologies shaping today’s dairy farms. Robotic milking systems and wearable cow health trackers were among the innovations showcased, demonstrating how data and technology help farmers operate more efficiently while prioritizing animal welfare.
With strong student interest in STEM, the visit also served as a gateway to explore career opportunities in agriculture. From veterinary medicine and ag engineering to animal genetics and even ag photography, students saw how science and technology are woven into every aspect of dairy farming.
A favorite part of the day was interacting with cows and calves, reinforcing the importance of humane animal care. The tour ended on a high note with locally made ice cream, offering a delicious reminder of the dairy they had just learned about.
Post-tour surveys showed overwhelmingly positive responses. One teacher shared a personal shift in perspective, stating, “I now understand that milk is safe.” Another student said, “I’m very interested in genetics. I think I may participate in some research in further projects on the way genetics can impact health and wellbeing.”
Nebraska
Further west, Midwest Dairy partnered with Prairieland Dairy in Firth, Nebraska, to host a farm tour for Nebraska-based thought leaders. Attendees included representatives from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Conservation, the City of Lincoln Sustainability Department, Beyond School Bells, and Lincoln Public Schools.
The tour offered a comprehensive overview of modern dairy operations, focusing on cow care, the milking process, and farm-level sustainability practices. A highlight was touring Prairieland Gold, the farm’s composting facility. There, food waste from Lincoln Public Schools is transformed into nutrient-rich compost, reducing landfill waste and supporting healthy soils.
Joe Guenther from Nutrient Advisors joined the group to share insights on soil health and regulatory compliance. His explanation of nutrient management strategies showed how data supports both sustainability and environmental regulations.
Attendees expressed strong appreciation and trust in dairy producers. “I think it’s super important for people to have opportunities to interact with the people and places that provide their food,” shared one participant. Another added, “The fact that they are willing to spend time showing what they are doing to others is very inspiring.”
Whether engaging students through STEM-based learning or connecting sustainability professionals with on-the-ground innovation, these tours demonstrate Midwest Dairy’s ongoing commitment to building trust in dairy. By bringing people face-to-face with the farmers, technology, and practices behind dairy production, Midwest Dairy fosters transparency, inspires curiosity, and strengthens dairy’s role in sustainability.