This is another impressive story of how farmers, even in tough times, are finding ways to add value to their product. Prairieland Dairy is located near the small town of Firth, about 20 miles south of Lincoln. Late last year, Prairieland purchased the defunct Legacy Dairy processing and bottling facility in the town of Hallam, about 15 miles from Prairieland. In mid-June, Prairieland will begin distributing its own Prairieland brand milk in several Lincoln area stores. Prairieland Dairy is an interesting story in itself. The dairy, officially formed in 2000, is a limited-liability partnership involving several families that were once dairying on their own. Their collective herd is now at 1,500 cows. It’s the only dairy left in Lancaster County, Nebraska.
Prairieland officials stress that the comfort of the cows is their number one priority. And they are big believers in transparency-they give numerous tours of the operation and are getting ready to host their 6th annual Dairy Fun Day on June 27. It’s a free event, open to all, featuring tours of the cow barn and milking center, milk truck rides and free lunch, including milk and ice cream. There is a neat video from their 2008 Dairy Fun Day on the Nebraska A-FAN web site. Here’s a link: http://a-fan.org/afan2008/mycms/assets/media/videodetail.asp?mediaid=42
-Ken
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been buying your milk for quite some time now and I was just curious whether or not you use antibiotics on your cows, I only saw that there were no added hormones. I will still buy prairie land regardless, I just want to know more about the product.
I heard that you are producing cream but when we went to Sadie’s in Firth ..they didn’t have it..where can I purchase cream?
Thanks, Sheryl
When is your 2010 tour/field day? It is sure an educational and fun day, I do not want to miss it. Thank you for sharing you expertise.
I would like to know when your 2010 tour is. From reading items from your websit that my two young granddaughters can have quite an experience. And it also sounds like it is very educational. I have been buying your milk for a long time and it is one of the better products out there. One is that I would rather buy locally and support our local producers. I would do the same for clothing items, shoes etc even if I did have to pay a higher price. Thank you.
Sharon
I heard there’s going to be something happening on the 26th of June, can you tell me more about this?
Hey everyone, Prairieland Dairy Day is June 26th, 11am to 4pm. Don’t miss it!
I can’t wait for Dairy Day! Its SO much fun! We take our girls every year! So excited its this weekend
Went to the “Days” on 6-26-10…They were ill prepared for the turn-out; unbearably long lines for food, ran out of bottled water hours before the end of the day (and on the hottest and muggiest day of the year!). However, the decisive final witness to the “never again” was the Cat Lovers Against the Bomb and the Nebraskans for Peace tables (where were the free bong water samples?). Is Prairieland Dairy Days a political advocacy event or is it to promote doing business locally?