In August, Midwest Dairy partnered with Bayer in St. Louis to co-host a dairy farm tour as part of the Agriculture Innovation Experience. This immersive two-day event was designed to connect nutrition, health, and agriculture. The program brought together health professionals and agricultural experts to exchange knowledge and highlight the role of innovation in today’s food system.
A highlight of the event was a visit to Reinhardt Dairy in Red Bud, Illinois. Participants observed dairy farming firsthand while engaging in discussions about cow care, waste management, technology, and milk safety. To kick off the tour, attendees enjoyed a lively trivia game during the bus ride from St. Louis, answering questions about dairy sustainability practices and sharing fun facts, such as which ice cream flavor was invented first.
While dairy was the centerpiece of Midwest Dairy’s role, participants also explored other sectors of the agricultural industry. Stops included Hartman Farms (a grain production facility) and the Danforth Plant Science Center. Attendees also heard from tree nut farmers, fruit and vegetable growers, and soybean producers. These experiences provided a well-rounded look at how innovation is shaping agriculture across multiple commodities.
The event concluded with a timely presentation and discussion on “Communication in a Mis/Disinformation World.” This session encouraged attendees to think critically about how agricultural and nutrition messages are shared and how to better build trust with consumers.