We got to tour Shatto Dairy Farm - a real, live working Dairy Farm located on the outskirts of KC.
We’ve had a LOT of fun this summer, but going to Shatto Dairy ranks high on my list. I think it’s one of the few things that captivated my attention just as much as the kids.
By the kids reactions, I think it was a success! The next day, Tanner decided he wanted to be a dairy farmer when he grew up. Brooke kept telling anyone and everyone she saw “I see COWS!” and then asking, “Let’s go see the cows!” with all the excitement only a 2 year old can relinquish.
Shatto Dairy Farm isn’t like most dairy farms. Not only do they raise the cows and milk them, they process the milk, package in glass bottles, and send out on a delivery truck. If you want milk any fresher, you’d have to have a cow in your backyard. At least that’s what their posters say :)
And we got to see it ALL!
First up, the cows! These baby calves were only a few months old.
You could pet them if you liked. But none of my kids were adventurous as Quincy.
Tanner was completely mesmerized. He was in a solid gaze, taking in each part and asking a million questions.
But HE DID NOT want to touch them :)
After learning the cows, and how they keep them happy in the hot summer (spraying them with COLD water!), we each got a chance to milk the cow.
My nephew Jared was one of the bravest, first one to give it a shot. And I think we were all surprised at how hard it it was!
My brother Brendan was in town visiting and must have created his own mini-documentary about the EPIC milking with all the videos and pictures taken :)
Tanner was very skeptical and first – he tried just touching the utter and expected milk to come out. But with each attempt, he squeezed and pulled a little harder, and viola…MILK!
Brittany, along with most of the kids, was of the squeeze-and-run variety. No looking back.
Unfortunately, I took a million pictures -- not many turned out :(
Next up, milking the cows…using modern technology.
We learned the average cow produces 7 gallons of milk a day! And with 400 cows producing milk anywhere from ages 2 to 13, that’s a LOT of milk.
After detailed explanations, he squirted some milk, just for good measure!
Everyone got to feel like the suction cup that attaches to each utter feels like when it’s on. Not nearly as much pressure as I would have thought.
The way the cow stared at me, pretty sure she felt violated…just by me snapping a picture :)
And having a nursing baby myself, I could totally relate!
Brooke was equally terrified by the noises, machinery, and cows; “I hold you!” she kept asking! It was nothing being held by her Uncle Brendan couldn’t solve.
Next up, the milk travels next door for processing. First they heat the milk to pasteurize it (which kills any harmful bacteria), and then they spin/mix it to homogenize it (to keep it from separating when it’s refrigerated). And depending on the type of milk, they add/subtract fat or flavorings. We got to seem them as they went down the conveyor belt – milk poured into the glass, lids squared on tight, and sell by date stamped on top.
From there, it goes right into the cooler and then the truck…ready for delivery! 
And of course, a tour wouldn’t be complete without getting to TASTE all the yummy milk…in all 6 flavors…banana, cotton candy, strawberry, cookies N cream, root beer, and chocolate. And of all the flavors, can you guess the most popular! It’s still CHOCOLATE!
Our clan – including Kristan, baby Jett, and Brendan
Chelsea, Avery, and baby Benson
Brittany (my BRITTANY – according to Brooke!) and Avery – our best taste-testers.
And Tanner, refusing each flavor. When it comes to milk, he’s a purest, only likes it one way – WHITE! And Brooke, why, she was too busy playing.
And Rylee, savoring each last drop! Just like her momma, she LOVED them all!
After the tour was completed, we had a picnic lunch.
And because it happened to be the HOTTEST day of the summer, water balloon fight was definitely a neccessity!
And just a few more pics…just for fun!
Pure happiness!
Friends!
And if the cows weren’t enough, these baby kittens were captivated our attention with their super soft fur!
And before we headed home, we loaded up on some milk and of course, just HAD TO try the ice cream too!
