Connecting Students to Vermont's Dairy Farms

Posted on June 12, 2023

Cambridge Elementary third graders bounded off the school bus, their pom-pom topped winter hats bobbing, as they circled up in front of the dairy barns. It had snowed the mid-May morning of their field trip to the family-operated Paul-Lin Dairy, but the sun was already peeking out from behind the clouds.

Cambridge Elementary students and their teachers circle up after their arrival to Paul-Lin Dairy in Bakersfield. VT.

Cambridge Elementary students and their teachers circle up after their arrival to Paul-Lin Dairy in Bakersfield, VT. Photo by Sarah Webb.

The students and teachers are part of this year’s Dairy in the Classroom program, which combines hands-on classroom curriculum with visits to local dairy farms. Educator Virginia Holiman created the program, and has been connecting students and farms ever since. “Dairy in the Classroom started as a cooperative effort between Ladd Family Farm and my kindergarten class from 2002 to 2008,” says Virginia. “The kids developed a relationship with the farmer, visited the farm often, and adopted a calf.” The program grew over the years, first to five schools, then further throughout Franklin County, and now statewide. “Some years we served forty classrooms, some years less.”

Educator Virginia Holiman visits a Vermont classroom to teach kids about dairy farming and prepare students for visiting a local farm. Here, they're using our "Dress Up a Cow" activity to understand a cow's anatomy. Educator Virginia Holiman visits a Vermont classroom to teach kids about dairy farming and prepare students for visiting a local farm. Here, they're using our "Dress Up a Cow" activity to understand a cow's anatomy. Photo by Andrea Estey.

Cambridge Elementary is one of 17 currently participating in the program. This field trip was the culmination of a series of classroom visits with Shelburne Farms Educator Kelly Knudsen. Together, back at school, they learned about the anatomy of dairy cows, and how that milk is turned into foods like ice cream, cheese, and butter (taste tests, of course, were a highlight). "The kids get excited to share their knowledge and cooking skills at home," shares Kelly. "I love it when I see them on my next visit, and they're eager to tell me what they made with their family or rattle off all the dairy products they've been eating."

“Visiting a farm can be an overwhelming experience,” explains Virginia. “The classes before the field trip help the kids know what to expect. With a little preparation, they’re ready to show up to the farm with good questions, treat the animals with respect, and already have an understanding of the ‘grass to milk’ cycle.”

Farmer and Owner Linda Stanley introduces the students to Pez, a member of the milking herd, and explains how the milking equipment works. Farmer and Owner Linda Stanley introduces the students to Pez, a member of the milking herd, and explains how the milking equipment works. Photo by Sarah Webb.

And now the Cambridge students were ready to meet the stars of the story: the farmers and cows that make it all possible! “The kids get such a wonderful introduction to farms and dairy with their Dairy in the Classroom educators, who do a fabulous job,” shared Paul-Lin Dairy owner and farmer Linda Stanley. “The work in the classroom makes the tour all the better.” Since 1983, Linda and Paul Stanley have been caring for their herd of Jersey cows, and they have been collaborating with local schools to offer dairy education opportunities since 1996.

Farmer and Owner Paul Stanley leads students through the calf barn, teaching them about their diet and when they are weaned from milk Farmer and Owner Paul Stanley leads students through the calf barn, teaching them about their diet and when they are weaned from milk. Photo by Sarah Webb.

“So many kids today don’t have a connection to their food,” Linda explained. “To be able to show first hand where food comes from is a treat for us. We love to share what we do as dairy farmers, and we feel so lucky to be able to give kids the chance to ‘pat a cow’.” And this trip was some students' first real experience on a farm. "I loved watching the kids' faces as Linda hand milked one of her Jersey cows," shares Kelly. "Their eyes lit up when they got to witness where their milk came from!" The students explored the milking parlor, met calves, and strolled the cow path to visit the milking herd in the pasture.

Linda leads students down the cow path, to see the milking herd on pasture. Linda leads students down the cow path, to see the milking herd on pasture. Photo by Sarah Webb.

Linda noted that the walk down the cow path is a Cambridge tradition. "A former teacher had the goal of every third grade student walking the cow lane here," she shared. "We love to see it continue year after year and connect kids to dairy farming."

Just before the students boarded the bus to head back to school, a chorus of little voices began to grow on the cow path (“I’m a dairy cow… pasture is my favorite chow…”) as the trip culminated in a gleeful serenade to the herd in appreciation of all they give to us.

Students get up close with one of the Jersey cows. The Dairy in the Classroom program teaches students to appreciate the animals and farmers that give us so much. Students get up close with one of the Jersey cows. The Dairy in the Classroom program teaches students to appreciate the animals and farmers that give us so much. Photo by Sarah Webb.

*Dairy in the Classroom has been supported by the New England Dairy and Food Council and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets with Shelburne Farms partnering to support education services.
 

Resources to Explore

Did you know June is National Dairy Month? You don’t have to visit a dairy farm to celebrate—check out some of these classroom resources to dive into all things dairy:

Shelburne Farms is now accepting requests to participate in 2023-24 Dairy in the Classroom! Learn more about the program and express your interest.