Dairy exhibit at Strong Museum shows how farmers brave the cold, keep cows warm safe
Dec 23, 2024
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – If you're looking for something to do with the kids over winter break, there's a new display to check out at the Strong National Museum of Play. It's called "Winter on the Farm," and was organized by the American Dairy Association.
Cows on display at the new dairy exhibit inside the Strong National Museum of Play. (WROC/Oran Spitzer.)
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Those who visit are immersed in the life of a dairy farmer, complete with play tractors, educational books, and, of course, plenty of cows - with tons of opportunities to get some hands-on experience.
Kids are also able to feed the cows using real calf bottles and dress up as vets, ensuring the cows are happy and, most importantly, healthy.
"One of our big points is cow comfort. Cow and calf comfort in the wintertime is especially important because we're not only trying to keep them healthy but keep them warm, keep them free of sickness and illness," said Olivia Maslyn, NYS First Associate Dairy ambassador. "So, it becomes a bit of a challenge here in Upstate New York where we have so much snow. But we're trying to show here how we use blankets, how we use hutches, how we use straw and bedding, how we keep them warm, how we utilize vets and other animal professionals."
The "Winter on the Farm" exhibit will be on display until Jan. 5. On Friday, state dairy ambassadors will be at the museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - meeting kids and handing out hot cocoa.