A Day of Community, Dairy, and Blooms at Hamm's Farmstead Greenhouse

One of my favorite parts of being involved in agriculture is connecting with people who share a love for farming, animals, and community. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a day at Hamm's Farmstead Greenhouse in Fredonia, Wisconsin, supporting the Holy Cross 4-H Dairy Group as they raised funds for their club activities and projects.

The greenhouse was bustling with activity from the moment I arrived. Visitors browsed through an impressive selection of plants and vegetables while enjoying the beautiful spring weather. It was the perfect setting to bring along my coloring books, including my newest release, The Simple Joy of a Dairy Farm: From Cows and Goats to Cheese, created in honor of June Dairy Month.

I enjoyed showcasing the books and visiting with families throughout the day. One of the highlights was listening to children point out their favorite animals featured in the coloring book. Their excitement and curiosity about farm life reminded me why sharing agricultural stories is so important. Seeing young people connect with the animals and dairy products they encounter every day was incredibly rewarding.

The event also featured a petting zoo that quickly became a favorite attraction. Families had the opportunity to interact with a calf, dog, sheep, chickens, rabbit, ducks, and a goat. There is something special about watching children meet farm animals up close, often creating memories that last a lifetime.

When I wasn't talking about coloring books, I stayed busy helping make root beer floats for visitors. It was another wonderful way to connect with the community while supporting the Holy Cross 4-H Dairy Group. Throughout the day, I had the chance to visit with families and talk with young exhibitors about their upcoming fair projects. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and pride in their work were inspiring.

Supporting local dairy youth holds a special place in my heart because I was once a 4-H member myself. The experiences I gained through 4-H taught me responsibility, leadership, and the value of hard work—lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life. Seeing today's youth develop those same skills gives me confidence in the future of agriculture.

Before heading home, I couldn't resist picking up one of my favorite treats—a Cowpuccino milk for the drive back. With its delicious coffee-inspired flavor, it was the perfect way to end a day spent celebrating agriculture, community, and the next generation of dairy leaders.

As we celebrate June Dairy Month, I encourage everyone to look for opportunities to support local dairy youth. Whether it's attending a fundraiser, purchasing products from a club event, visiting a county fair, or simply encouraging a young exhibitor, every bit of support helps nurture the future of agriculture.

Thank you to Hamm's Farmstead Greenhouse, the Holy Cross 4-H Dairy Group, and everyone who stopped by to visit. Days like these are a wonderful reminder that agriculture is about so much more than farming—it's about people, community, and investing in the generations to come.