dairy farm tours wisconsin

Hinchley's Dairy Farm

A family owned and operated Wisconsin Dairy Farm . We provide educational farm tours that are guided throughout a REAL , WORKING dairy farm.

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2023 Farm to Table Event

Hosted at hinchley’s dairy farm.

Experience elegant dining that brings consumers and farmers together to explore modern agriculture and celebrating the food local farmers produce.  The ninth annual Wisconsin Farm to Table Event is being held at our farm for 2023 on Friday, August 18th and we would love to see you there!

Read more about the farm to table event at:

https://wifarmtotable.com/

Welcome to Hinchley's Dairy Farm

Hinchley's Dairy Farm is clean and safe. The tour is hands on and family friendly. Come and see what farming is all about! Every day at Hinchley's is new and exciting; often there are a variety of babies, from chicks to newborn calves, for you to observe and enjoy.

Dairy Farm Tours

Tours will be held on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with a required reservation.  We will be respectful of social distancing throughout the tour for your safety and ask that guests bring masks to wear; there will be sanitizer throughout the property to use.  Please call for availability or if you have further questions. 

*We are not able to accept credit/debit cards at this time, so please remember to bring cash or a personal check.  Call if you need help figuring out your estimated group cost.

Unfortunately due to limited staff, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

Limited availability is expected, so please call/text us at (608)-764-5090 or email at [email protected].

Tour Schedule:

Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

11 am – 1 pm and 1 pm – 3 pm

Spring is a great time to visit the farm! Chicks and ducklings are hatching and are an amazing experience for all age groups to hold. Baby pigs, lambs, goat kids, and calves are playing around the farm.*  With so many baby animals, you may get a chance to bottle-feed and pet them.  With spring crops planted, you will get to experience a wagon-ride to see what is growing in the fields. 

Summer is time for harvesting alfalfa, which goes to making our cows their delicious food. While on a wagon ride you will get the opportunity to learn about the crops that we feed our cattle and what diet it takes to keep our herd happy and healthy.  The baby animals from Spring are growing up and can be pet and hand-fed.  Our turkeys, ducks, and geese love to wander around the farm, looking for puddles to play in and hidden snacks in the grass.  The flowers in our gardens attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Fall is when our other crops are drying out and ready to harvest. This is a perfect time to come and get a free pumpkin with admission, along with a wagon ride to and from the patch. 

*Usually we are bustling with a variety of baby animals to feed, hold, and pet; however we are unable to guarantee that we will have piglets, lambs, or goat kids throughout the year.  Plastic boot covers will be handed out to protect your footwear while visiting cows in the barn, but plan to dress for outdoor weather.

Everyone wants to milk a COW!

While on a farm tour plan on hand milking a cow, petting and feeding many farm animals and an antique driven hayride* to the fields to see corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Learn what happens to these crops and how they are involved in your life!

Meet our Animals

The Farm Tours spotlight the Holstein cows, but there are so many other farm animals to see and learn about too. While visiting the farm animals in the barnyard, you will learn about each type of species and also, food production, the progress of farming over time, and farm life.

Special Events

Make a Reservation Today! Scroll down to view our Regular Group or Family Tour prices and Registration

Birthday Parties

Farm theme birthday party includes a private dairy farm tour, hayride, and use of farm shed. Birthday carry-ins allowed.

Company Picnics

50-200 people company picnics, or family parties on the farm. Visit the animals and use the farm shed.

Farm Away From The Farm

We take some animals on the road for picnics, parties, and schools. Traveling with animals has a minimum of $300.

Amazing Experiences

Have you milked a cow today? Did you visit a barnyard of farm animals lately? Would you like to have a Dairy Good Day at Hinchley's?

Went here for a Birthday and the person that showed us around was incredibly patient with all the kids and making sure that no one was left out of any activity that they wanted to participate in. 

Christopher Bell

I walked away with greater knowledge about working dairy farms and what is in our food. Absolutely recommend this enlightening, energizing and informative tour with Tina. Thank you!

Bev Biernat DeJovine

What a fantastic learning experience! My 8 year old granddaughter said it was the best day ever! We learned so much! Tina was so informative and patient. It was well worth the two hour drive.

Michelle Duffield

Have you milked a cow today?

Did you visit a barnyard of farm animals lately? Would you like to have a Dairy Good Day at Hinchley's? Make your reservations today!

Admission Prices

Group Rates (10+)

Less than 10 people.

Family Rates

2844 WI-73 Cambridge, WI 53523

SEASONAL TOURS APRIL 1ST - OCTOBER 31ST Reservations Required Family Tours: 11:00 or 1:00 Group Tours: 9:00 - Noon, Noon - 3:00

Tours run for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Hinchley's Dairy Farm Tours

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Hinchley's Dairy Farm Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Back to The Bobber

10 dairy destinations in wisconsin, discover wisconsin, april 28, 2020, food & drink | history | things to do.

Wisconsin is the State of Cheese for a reason: cheesemakers use the high-quality milk to craft more award-winning cheeses than any other state or country! We head around Wisconsin to a few distinct destinations across the state that celebrate our state’s unique dairy heritage.

Tour the Farm

Hop on a bus tour of a working dairy farm at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc. A minibus takes visitors to the farm where an educational video guides the half-hour tour. While at the farm, the bus drives through a free stall barn that houses over 2,700 dairy cows.

Field to Fork Table

Practice your pairings and create a delicious, nutritious meal at the Field to Fork table at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. With something interactive and educational around every corner, the Field to Fork table allows visitors to plan meals using Wisconsin-grown ingredients.

Combine Simulator

Control a combine through the tractor simulator at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. Learn how technology is integrated into all steps of the farming process so the farmers can grow more food to feed the world with less land and resources.

Heritage Cheesemaking

Learn about the history of heritage cheesemaking at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center in Monroe. With a mission rooted in preserving and protecting the heritage of early cheesemaking, this center celebrates the traditions of cheese and those who craft it in and outside of Wisconsin.

Imobersteg Cheese Factory

Take a tour of the Imobersteg Cheese Factory to explore how cheese was made in the late 1800’s. Alfred and Anna Imobersteg moved to Wisconsin from Switzerland in 1890 and soon thereafter opened the cheese factory where they produced dairy deliciousness until it closed in 1917. The factory and original equipment remained untouched until 2009 when it was moved to the National Historic Cheesemaking Campus and restored by the museum.

Living Machine

Peek at the plants at Cedar Grove Cheese and learn how sustainability plays a big part in their cheesemaking process. One of the biggest waste products coming out of the cheese factory is water. Cedar Grove Cheese built its Living Machine greenhouse to naturally clean the wastewater before it goes back to the earth. Within this process, wetland plants are added to the tanks whose roots trail in the water and use the wastewater nutrients to grow.

Pairings with Cedar Grove Cheese

Pair Cedar Grove Cheese with fruit or assorted vegetables that grow from the on-site Living Machine. The wetland plants that grow within the wastewater tanks produce fruit such as grapes and figs which make the perfect pairings for their homemade cheese.

150-Year-Old Nasonville Dairy

Cherish the cheese from Nasonville Dairy who produces award-winning Wisconsin cheese with over 150 years of experience. Nasonville Dairy is home to over 24 cheese varieties and converts a whopping 1.5 million pounds of milk into 150,000 pounds of cheese a day!

What better way to enjoy a hot summer day than to savor some soft serve from Weber’s Farm Store . Since 1904, Weber’s delivers the freshest local dairy products from milks and cheeses to beef and eggs.

Weber’s Farm Store Drive-Thru

For more convenient service, Weber’s Farm Store opened a drive-up window in the late 50’s and has been offering dairy on-the-go since. DW Tip: Order fresh curds from the drive-thru at Weber’s Farm Store to enjoy a cheesy squeak from the driver’s seat!

Taylor Carruthers is a producer and member of the Discover Wisconsin team. Watch Discover Wisconsin on Saturday mornings at 10am on Fox Sports Wisconsin and stream episodes now on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Smart TV, Chromecast, and on  discoverwisconsin.com. 

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COWS ON MILKING ROTARY

COWS MILKED PER HOUR

EACH COW PRODUCES 11 GALLONS OF MILK PER DAY

CALVES BORN EACH DAY

Giving our best, from our family to yours!

Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, LLC is a one-of-a-kind family farm and agritourism destination. It is the largest private, family-owned dairy farm in Wisconsin.

At Pagel’s Ponderosa, we consider farming to be a labor of love and place a significant emphasis on FAMILY: our family, our employees’ families, and the greater family of Northeast Wisconsin. We are a third-generation family farm, with a fourth generation raring to keep the tradition going.

About Cozy Nook Farm

Cozy Nook Farm is primarily a working dairy farm with 65 cows , mostly registered Brown Swiss and Guernseys. Our milk is shipped to Prairie Farms where it is made into cheese. Our Fall Market opens the end of September with a wide variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds. The FRIDAY after Thanksgiving, we sell Christmas trees , wreaths and garland. Educational farm tours are offered from spring to fall by appointment.

Cozy Nook Farm was established by the Wendt family in 1834 near the present day Goerkes Corners. In 1957, the land was purchased by the state to build I-94 and the move was made to its current location near Delafield, Wisconsin. The farm was operated by Jim and Kathy Wendt who are Joan’s parents.

In 1985, Joan and her husband Tom joined the Cozy Nook team as Jim and Kathy looked to retire. The farm is now operated by Tom and Joan Oberhaus with their son Charlie and cow manager Dan Gerrits. Kathy still helps with the farm upkeep and enjoys the many visitors at pumpkin time.

Photos & Fun Stuff

Schedule a Tour

Experience our family dairy farm by seeing firsthand how cows produce milk that is made into award winning ice cream and bottled milk fresh from our dairy.

Our Creamery Store is located  20 minutes north of Madison and roughly an hour from Milwaukee. We bottle our own milk and make ice cream Monday through Friday. At our Creamery, you can see how we bottle our farmstead milk through our two large viewing windows. While you’re here, be sure to try an ice cream cone with our 28 available flavors . In addition to our Sassy Cow products, we offer a large variety of Wisconsin dairy products and local treats, including cheese, cranberries, and meat . During the  summer we have a calf at our creamery for you to meet and have outdoor activities for the kids. Most of the tour is done under cover but there is a small stretch between buildings outside so all of our tours are done, rain or shine!

Story Time  on the farm

Special Storytime Events geared towards primary age children.

These free events are at the creamery for children and last about 45 minutes. At the end, children are provided with a free scoop of our award-winning ice cream!

SUMMER FARM TOURS

Individual and Family Tours

Starting in June!

June – August. All our tours occur rain or shine!

Thursday and Friday: Hourly from 10 a.m. with last tour at 3 p.m.

Every Other Saturday:  Hourly f rom 9 a.m. with last tour at noon.

** To see schedule please click on the “BOOK A FAMILY TOUR” button**

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your tour to check in at the creamery. We will then give you directions to the dairy farm where the tour will take place.

Tours need to be booked online and are open to the public with a 25 person maximum. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for youth ages 5-17, and children 4 and under are free. Every tour includes a pint of milk and will be 30 to 45 minutes long.

BOOK A FAMILY TOUR

Field Trips and Group Tours **Reservations are open for 2024.** All our tours occur rain or shine!

Sassy Cow offers tours for school groups and organizations larger than 15 people from May through September. Tours must be scheduled in advance online. The cost is $5 per person, which includes a dish of vanilla ice cream and a 45 minute farm tour. These tours require a minimum booking of 15 people.                                    

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of your tour to check in at the creamery. We will then give you directions to drive to the dairy farm where the tour will take place.

May : Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. June-August : Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. September: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

BOOK A GROUP TOUR

While visiting Sassy Cow Creamery, photos or videos may be taken of you by Sassy Cow Creamery staff to use for marketing purposes. Please notify staff if you would like to opt out of having a photo or video taken of you.

• Driftless Wisconsin – Official Guide to Driftless Tourism
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One Day Creamery & Cheese Tour of Driftless Wisconsin

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Photo by Oksanashufrych

If you’re on the hunt for locally sourced and produced dairy products, Driftless Wisconsin features an abundance of local creameries that you can explore in a single day, to create the perfect creamery and cheese tour filled day trip. With a prime location in southwestern Wisconsin, the agriculture industry flourishes in Driftless Wisconsin, providing fresh, local dairy and meat products that can be bought by visitors and locals alike at creameries throughout the region. A day of exploring the area can allow visitors to learn more about Driftless dairy farms and the process behind many of their favorite dairy and meat products. Plus it’s a great opportunity to support local farming operations and agriculture businesses in the area.

While there are many creameries in Driftless Wisconsin, a great way to get a taste of products from around the whole region, and to potentially find your new favorite dairy products, is by taking a day trip. This itinerary will take visitors to four different creameries throughout Vernon and Crawford counties, giving them plenty of opportunities for learning about dairy farms and how the products are made, and for purchasing products, too.

Photo by Getty Images

Morning You’ll start your Driftless Wisconsin creamery and cheese tour in Cashton, Wisconsin at Pasture Pride Cheese . Get your day started early to make sure you have enough time to visit all five stops of the day, as the first destination opens at 9 am. There are many ways to drive to Cashton, depending on where you are coming from, but Highway 33 is one main road that will lead you into the downtown area. Then you can find Pasture Pride Cheese just off Highway 27 on Eagle Drive.

Pasture Pride Cheese has a prime location in the heart of Amish Country, which is represented in its cheese products. Their cheese is proudly crafted from milk produced at local Amish dairies. You can find a variety of products at Pasture Pride Cheese including Pasture Pride Cheddars, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Muenster, Colby, and Co-Jack. Visitors also might not want to miss out on their unique Finnish baked cheese called Juusto, which has a savory, buttery flavor. During your stop, you can also purchase a variety of cheese gift baskets, gourmet cheese, and organic cheese.

Mid Morning The next stop of the itinerary will be in Westby, Wisconsin , a lively, rural town with a strong Norwegian heritage. From Cashton, you can take Highway 27 all the way to Main Street in Westby, where you will find your next destination. Your next stop will be at the Westby Cooperative Creamery Plant , a local Westby creamery that offers local cheeses, yogurt, and butter. The Westby Cooperative Creamery is located in the “Heart of Dairy Country”, and has been operating locally since 1903.

The creamery is farmer-owned by more than 100 local farmers and their families who supply the milk for creating the creamery’s excellent dairy products. The actual creamery plant is located on Main Street in Westby, but you can stop at the Westby Cheese and Gift Store and the Westby Cooperative Creamery General Offices & Distribution Center to purchase cottage cheeses, sour creams, dips, yogurts, cream cheeses, and organic products. Both stores are located on Main Street and are also great places to learn about the whole Westby Cooperative Creamery operation.

Photo by Mark Grafton

Afternoon Next, you’ll be hopping in the car again and heading just down the road to Nordic Creamery , which is also located in Westby on the Bekkum Farmstead. The creamery opens at 10 am Monday through Saturday, and 11 am on Sundays and is open to the public year round. You will be welcomed by Farmer Al and the Bekkum family, who own and operate the farm and the creamery, making and selling butters, ice creams, and cheeses.

Tours of the farm are only offered to large groups and must be arranged in advance, but depending on the day and time of your visit you may get the unique chance to see cheese or butter being made. Besides dairy products, you can purchase beef and pork, regionally produced food, gifts, and Nordic Creamery t-shirts. After learning more about the farm and the products, visitors can enjoy a scoop or two of the creamery’s Wisconsin made ice cream. Sit on the outdoor picnic tables with your family or friends and enjoy the view of Vernon County’s lush, green hills and valleys and the farm.

After your visit, this is a great opportunity to stop and grab lunch somewhere in Driftless Wisconsin. There are a variety of places to eat in the Driftless, but one recommendation that is on the way to the next destination is Viroqua Family Restaurant .

Late Afternoon If you time the day out right, you should be finished with a break and your third stop of the day around 3:00pm. To find the next destination, Mt. Sterling Co-op Creamery , from Westby you’ll head south on Highway 14 until you reach Viroqua . Then you’ll turn right on Highway 82 and left onto Highway 27 until you reach Mt. Sterling, WI .

Mt. Sterling is a Wisconsin village noted for its history of cheese making and is the current home of Mt. Sterling Co-op Creamery, which specializes in goat cheese. Similar to the Westby Cooperative Creamery, the Mt. Sterling Co-op is also run by a variety of local farmers who produce the milk needed to create the cheeses and butters. During your visit, you can purchase Goat Feta, Goat Mozzarella, Pasteurized Goat Cheddars, Raw Milk Goat Cheddars, Whey Cream Butter, and more.

Photo by Suvrajit

Evening From the creamery at Mt. Sterling visitors will be headed to the very southern border of Driftless Wisconsin to Boscobel, Wisconsin for the next and final creamery destination of the day. The final drive will take about 30 minutes, but you’ll be driving through one of the many scenic areas of the Driftless Region near the Lower Wisconsin River. Once you arrive in Boscobel you will find Udder Brothers Creamery , a family farming operation called Hi Grove Holsteins, which is run by twin brothers Justin and Jason Sparrgrove and their families.

Along with dairy products and ice cream, the creamery has local beef, lamb, eggs, salsa products, and more. If you’re up for a second dose of authentic creamery ice cream, you can choose from 24 flavors of hand dipped ice cream and frozen yogurt. Visitors can also purchase an early dinner deal, including a sandwich, chips or yogurt, and a drink. The owners will be more than happy to inform visitors about their story, process, and products, so you can learn about the operation during your visit and enjoy your final creamery stop of the day.

If you are interested in more agritourism trip itineraries in Driftless Wisconsin, there is a fun two day agritourism itinerary to try, too.

Wehling Farms & Country Store

Cheese Corner

Hotel Fortney

WI River Outings

Nature Nooks Retreat

Branches Winery

Viroqua Food Co+op

Century 21 Affiliated – Southwest WI

Pasture Pride Cheese

Old Towne Inn

Viroqua Chamber Main Street

Boscobel Chamber of Commerce

Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts

Treasures On Main

Vernon County Tourism

WCCU Credit Union

New Directions Real Estate

Bethel Home & Services

217 on Main

Viroqua Heritage Inn a boutique hotel

Snowflake Ski Club and Golf

Vernon Vineyards

Vernon County Museum

Down a Country Road

Village of Cashton

Westby Syttende Mai

City of Westby

Tangled Hickory Wine Bar

Driftless Cafe

Borgen’s Cafe

Wonderstate Coffee

Viva Gallery

• Land O’Lakes Birthing Barn
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• The Wisconsin Café
• Ice Cream Acres
• Farm House Store
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Fun + Adventure

Let Your Curiosity Grow - Start exploring!

Explore over 10,000 square feet of self-guided, interactive exhibits featuring Wisconsin’s robust and diverse agriculture industry. Kids and adults alike make a connection with the origins of their food and the modern technology that keeps production efficient and food safe.

Enjoy a virtual tour* of a local dairy farm and see modern farming technology in action. Visit the Land O'Lakes Birthing Barn for the chance to experience the birth of a calf and receive insight from a staff member. 

*Guided, in-person bus tours available to groups that book in advance and arrive on their own bus.

Interactive Exhibits

Wisconsin is mostly known for being "America's Dairyland," but did you know that Wisconsin is one of the most agriculturally diverse states? Explore over 10,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits to learn more about the food, fuel, and fiber that contributes $104.8 billion annually to the state's economy.

See the Grotegut Dairy Farm through a virtual tour shown in our Exhibit Theater. Find out what sustainable practices are used and how technology and hard work make an operation successful. 

Birthing Barn

The Land O’Lakes Birthing Barn provides visitors the chance to view a cow giving birth in a clean and quiet environment. We ask all our viewers to remain quiet as our cows are in labor, delivery, and after birth. Visitors will learn how the farmer cares for the cow and calf to ensure they are happy and healthy.

Become a Member!

The most cost-efficient way to enjoy Farm Wisconsin is by being a member! By being a member of Farm Wisconsin, you'll enjoy the Farm Wisconsin experience to the fullest while supporting your local non-profit organization. We hold our members close, as they are firm believers of our mission to educate consumers about Wisconsin agriculture and their food sources.

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Bird flu detected in dairy herds in 5 states. Here’s what Wisconsin farmers need to know

Throughout her entire career as a large animal veterinarian, Karen Jordan never thought she'd suspect bird flu when trying to diagnose a cow refusing to eat or experiencing a sudden drop in milk production.

"But here we are," said Jordan during a webinar hosted by NMPF and the National Dairy FARM Program discussing the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in five states. "We're living history. We're dealing with an emerging economic disease dealing with a drop in milk production and possible future reproductive challenges as we continue to collect data."

Just a week ago, animal health officials announced that a mystery illness that had been plaguing some dairy herds in the Texas panhandle, Kansas and New Mexico had been diagnosed as HPAI. Since then outbreaks of the disease have been reported in dairy herds in Idaho and Michigan.

While animal health officials at the USDA have determined that the disease was introduced into dairy herds via infected wild birds, they have been scrambling to identify how the disease is being transmitted among the cows in the herd.

"We don't have a clear picture of the illness we're seeing as there are multiple pathways for the disease to spread," said Mark Lyons, DVM, director of ruminant health for USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the national incident coordinator for HPAI in dairy cattle. "However, we have confirmed lateral transmission in the Michigan dairy herd."

According to Michigan State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, HPAI was detected in a dairy herd in Montcalm County, northeast of Grand Rapids. The farm recently received cattle from an affected area in the panhandle of Texas before the disease was detected in that herd.

"When the cattle were moved from Texas to Michigan they did not appear ill," Wineland stated. However, two weeks later the cattle began to show symptoms consistent with HPAI.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced on Monday that a worker having direct contact with infected cows is believed to be infected with avian influenza and that the worker's primary symptom was conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye.

This is just the second human case of the highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza in the U.S.

Federal and state officials concur that the risk to the general public is low.

What we don't know about the outbreak of HPAI in dairy cattle

While animal health officials have confirmed that the outbreak of HPAI commonly known as Bird Flu was introduced by infected wild birds and that cattle can spread the disease among one another, they are scrambling to connect the dots about transmission of the disease.

Texas veterinarian Brandon Treichler has been on the front lines of the outbreak in the panhandle of Texas where 82% of the state's herds are located, and has conferred with a network of veterinarians and dairy producers dealing with HPAI.

"Many recognize that this is something we haven't seen before, and honestly didn't know what it was for quite awhile, just that we were dealing with something that was not normal," Treichler said. "We tried to treat this with antibiotics because we thought it was some kind of contagious mastitis. However, the medicine didn't seem to change the course of infection. Basically, we're treating the symptoms."

While commercial poultry operations have braced themselves each year for the potential of HPAI outbreaks by employing stringent biosecurity measures year-round, bird flu wasn't on the radar of most dairy producers or large animal vets.

"We didn't factor in birds being a spreader of the disease we're facing today," said veterinarian Danelle Bickett-Weddle, who has contributed to the development of the Secure Milk and Beef Supply Plans.

Bickett-Weddle said disease can enter a farm from many sources with the primary route being animals (including animals new to the herd) and animal products. Other factors include people, feed, water and bedding, vehicles and equipment as well as rodents, birds, flies and wildlife.

"Birds need shelter, water and feed access and many find those things at dairy farms," Bickett-Weddle said. "And it's really hard to get rid of them using non-lethal methods."

How will this disease impact infected dairies?

One of the most telling symptoms in dairy cows is the drastic fall-off in milk production. Treichler says the disease typically affects older cows in mid-lactation, he has seen some severe cases involving first lactation and fresh cows. Heifers, calves, youngstock and dry cows don't seem to be impacted.

"The severely affected cows producing 90-100 lbs. of milk per day will come in and look like a dry cow within hours," he said.

Symptoms of loss of milk production, fever, lack of appetite and diarrhea usually last between 10-14 days. Secondary illnesses like pneumonia and mastitis may impact cows at this time.

"It takes about 30-45 days to see bulk tank somatic cell counts come down from pre-outbreak levels. I'm not suggesting that all of the cows will bounce back to pre-infection milk production levels," Treichler said. "Some of these cows won't make it back into production at all. Some will make enough milk just to pay their feed bill."

Treichler says this outbreak is a significant economic event for impacted dairies.

"At a time when the economics of dairying is less than ideal, this is really going to hurt these dairies," he said. "Supportive care and secondary health issues also require treatment and management involving extra costs."

The drop in milk production following an HPAI outbreak can vary from a loss of 4 to 20 lbs. per cow on a herd level, depending on the age of the herd and pre-outbreak production.

Culling cows from the herd will occur in two waves, he said.

"There is some initial culls that occur from the worst impacted cows and those with secondary infections," Treichler said. "Then there's a second wave after we stop seeing clinical cases of cows that do not come back into milk. Since there's not enough heifers in the pipeline to cull all those low-producing animals, our goal is to hold them in the herd until they dry off and hope for luck in the next lactation after they calve."

Cows weathering a severe infection may have additional challenges ahead. Right now, Treichler says many herds are not far enough through the progression to know the true effects of fertility issues.

"We have seen a slightly increased level of abortions," he said. "And because of the metabolic disruption, future fertility or cyclicity is likely to be impacted."

What can farms do to protect their herds?

Although there are many unknowns about the transmission of the disease, Bickett-Weddle says dairy farmers can take some proactive measures. One involves limiting animal movement.

"Of course, you should isolate cows displaying symptoms from the herd. But we recommend delaying or stopping incoming or returning animals from herds that have unknown or suspected health status," she said. "If they're introduced, separate or quarantine them for a minimum of 21 days. While they're being held, be sure to monitor them for symptoms. And be sure to keep records of all cattle movement."

Because it is unknown whether the disease is transmitted to cows or between animals through saliva, leaked milk, manure or urine, use of livestock trucks and trailers should be limited to your own cattle, or cleaned and disinfected when used to hail cattle from other operations with unknown health status.

"Protect your dairy operation by delaying or stopping non-essential visitors. Contact with cattle should be limited to essential visitors who should follow the farm's biosecurity plan, including milk testers and hoof trimmers," she said. "As for milk haulers, don't go into animal housing areas or where milk is fed to calves."

"We don't have conclusive answers yet and we're erring on the side of caution. We have to do this to break the transmission cycle," Bickett-Weddle added.

Wisconsin has no plans to curb herd movement at this time

During a media Zoom Wednesday morning hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, State Veterinarian Darlene Konkle confirmed that Wisconsin officials have no plans at this time to implement changes concerning the movement of animals.

Nebraska, one of five states where Avian Influenza has been detected in dairy herds, announced that the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has established an Importation Order prohibiting all breeding female dairy cattle from entering the state without a permit issued by NDA due to the recent outbreak. The Order will remain in place through April 30, 2024.

"We've been watching what other states have been doing and we feel that Wisconsin has robust traceability requirements in place including certificates of veterinary inspection for cattle coming in," Konkle said, stressing that sick animals should not be moving. "It's an evolving situation and there's definitely a potential that our import requirements could change. But we don't have any changes planned at this time."

Konkle also stressed to the public that despite HPAI being detected in cattle, the food supply remains safe.

"Pasteurization of milk and cooking meat both kill HPAI," she said.

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Vote for your favorite gas station brand!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

On December 1, 1913, America’s first drive-in gas station opened in Pennsylvania. Instead of hauling gasoline cans from pharmacies, motorists could now pull up, refuel, and keep on driving. As more and more families owned cars (and lived further and further from city centers), fueling stations began popping up along highways across America. Today, we measure a gas station experience by much more than just the fuel, though. How clean are the bathrooms? How fresh is the coffee? What snack options are available? These 20 brands — nominated by an expert panel — cater to the needs of drivers in all of these ways. Which gas station do you always stop at? Vote for your favorite gas station brand once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 6 at noon ET. We'll announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

On December 1, 1913, America’s first drive-in gas station opened in Pennsylvania. Instead of hauling gasoline cans from pharmacies, motorists could now pull up, refuel, and keep on driving. As more and more families...   Read More

Best Gas Station Brand Nominees

Photo courtesy of Buc-ee's

Texas-based Buc-ee’s operates convenience stores and larger travel centers throughout the South, all known for their immaculate restrooms and massive snack selection (think more than a dozen types of fudge, a deli counter, and house-made potato chips). The Sevierville, Tennessee, location holds the record for World’s Largest Convenience Store.

Photo courtesy of Casey's

Casey’s, found along roadsides in Iowa and several surrounding states, has earned a loyal following for carrying just what you need when you need it. Hungry drivers appreciate the selection of food made in-store, including sandwiches and pizza (their breakfast pizza is particularly popular).

Photo courtesy of Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms began as a small dairy farm in 1939, followed by the first convenience store in 1962. Today, drivers will find more than 575 Cumberland Farms locations in eight states. The company carries its own line of snacks, and stores feature hot sandwiches and pizza.

Photo courtesy of Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee, an employee-owned company, prides itself on excellent customer service, with a company slogan of “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle.” Drivers will find these aisles in eight states throughout the Midwest. While the company began as a general store in 1930, it’s expanded to offer adjacent convenience stores and gas stations.

Photo courtesy of Kum & Go

Kum & Go

Kum & Go, a family-owned Midwest favorite based in Iowa, was founded in 1959 as a place where drivers could buy gas and groceries. The company owns more than 350 stores across 12 states, where drivers can fuel up and earn points with their rewards program.

Photo courtesy of Kwik Trip

Kwik Trip, a Wisconsin-based, family-owned company, operates more than 800 stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, South Dakota, and Illinois. Their bakeries make more than two dozen different types of items each day, and all milk is sourced from dairy farms within a 100-mile radius of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Photo courtesy of Love's

Love's Travel Stops

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores are truck stops open 24 hours, where truck drivers and motorists can fuel up, enjoy a variety of different restaurants, and buy snacks and travel-related items. They're headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and have more than 500 locations throughout the United States. 

Photo courtesy of Maverik — Adventure's First Stop

Maverik is a bit like an outdoor adventure store disguised as a gas station. Based in Utah, the company operates more than 400 locations in 12 Western states, all known for their outdoorsy vibe and top-notch food (try the breakfast burrito).

Photo courtesy of Parker's

Headquartered in Savannah, Parker’s operates more than 75 stores across Georgia and South Carolina. The company has become a favorite convenience store in the South for its Parker’s Kitchen food lineup, which includes Southern favorites like fried chicken, fresh-baked biscuits, and sweet tea.

Photo courtesy of Ed Rode

Pilot Flying J

Located along interstates across 44 U.S. states and Canada, Pilot Flying J caters to road trippers, locals, and professional drivers with gas and diesel services, as well as convenience stores and fast-food options. Many travel centers have partnerships with brand-name restaurants, like Denny’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Chester’s.

Photo courtesy of QuickChek

QuickChek got its start as a dairy farm and has since grown into a convenience store and gas station chain known for its made-to-order sandwich counters. Drivers will find more than 150 QuickChek stores across New York and New Jersey, each serving fresh food and locally roasted coffee.

Photo courtesy of QuikTrip

From the first store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, QuikTrip has expanded to more than 1,000 stores in 17 states. QuikTrip (or QT) is beloved for its made-to-order food (like BBQ sandwiches and breakfast tacos) and soft-serve ice cream, enjoyed alongside a range of convenience store items and grab-and-go snacks.

Photo courtesy of Diana DeGracia

Operating across the Southern United States since 1934, RaceTrac’s stations provide friendly service and competitive, affordable gas prices. Their “Whatever Gets You Going” commitment means offering a rewards program and high-quality foods, from breakfast sandwiches, pizza, and roller grill hot dogs to Swirl World ice creams and yogurts. Don’t forget to grab a beverage or cup of freshly brewed coffee before you leave.

Photo courtesy of Royal Farms

Royal Farms

Royal Farms is popular for road trippers because of their clean bathrooms and vast variety of high-quality fast food meals and snacks. More than 200 locations can be found across seven states: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Photo courtesy of Rutter's

Rutter’s began as a dairy farm in 1921 in York, Pennsylvania. The second generation of the Rutter family founded the convenience store brand, and the third and fourth generations continue to manage it. The food menu ranks among the most extensive for any gas station, with options ranging from burgers and sandwiches to pizza and tacos to fried rice bowls and fried seafood.

Photo courtesy of Studio 115

Sapp Bros. Travel Centers

Established in 1971, Sapp Bros. has 17 full-service travel centers from Utah to Pennsylvania. Their fully stocked retail stores offer everything travelers could need, including clothing, car and outdoor accessories, toys, travel mugs, water bottles, and more. Their locations provide full-service tire centers, oil change services, and a variety of quick-service food and full-service cafes and buffet restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Sheetz

If you’re in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, or North Carolina, be sure to stop at Sheetz, a combination gas station and made-to-order sandwich shop. The menu is available 24/7, with options like subs, salads, wraps, and smoothies.

Photo courtesy of Terrible's

Contrary to its name, Terrible's prides itself on quality and convenience at every location in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Whether you're refueling, getting a car wash, or grabbing a few snacks, Terrible's aims to get you in and out and back on the road in no time. 

Photo courtesy of TravelCenters of America

TravelCenters of America

TravelCenters of America spans North America, with more than 270 full-service locations in 44 states. Each site offers a variety of services, including gas and diesel fuel, full-service and fast food restaurants, and travel stores stocked with groceries and snacks, electronics, clothing, and grab-and-go foods. Their friendly staff recognizes that no two travelers are alike, and their goal is to “return every traveler to the road better than they came.”

Photo courtesy of Wawa

Wawa, a Pennsylvania-based convenience store and gas station, doubles as a sandwich emporium where bread is baked fresh daily. Diners can choose from grab-and-go items or opt for built-to-order hoagies, paninis, burritos, salads, and baked goods.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Tours dairy research center, spotlights success of her program supporting Wisconsin’s dairy industry 

• April 2, 2024

Home » Press Releases » U.S. Sen. Baldwin: Tours dairy research center, spotlights success of her program supporting Wisconsin’s dairy industry 

MADISON, WI  – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin toured the Center for Dairy Research at UW-Madison to learn about how her Dairy Business Innovation Initiative is supporting Wisconsin’s dairy businesses and workers. Following the tour, Senator Baldwin joined a tasting of products manufactured and tested at the Center and funded by her initiative.

“Wisconsin’s dairy businesses are a key driver of our state’s economy, and it is critical that they have the tools they need to thrive,”  said Senator Tammy Baldwin.  “I’m proud to have secured funding so that farmers, cheesemakers, and dairy processors can continue to innovate, support jobs, and provide world-famous dairy products. Traveling the state, I see firsthand the success of this program in taking Wisconsin businesses to new heights – and today’s tour was another testament to this program’s ability to support our agricultural and research economy.”

During the visit, Senator Baldwin highlighted the ongoing investments she has secured for Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and cheesemakers through the DBII. Senator Baldwin first created the DBII program in 2018, successfully getting the legislation included in the 2018 Farm Bill, to help cheesemakers and dairy businesses develop new products, meet market demands, and expand markets. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin works to secure funding for the program each year to support Wisconsin businesses. Last month, Senator Baldwin  secured  $12 million for the DBII program in the government funding package.

An online version of this release is available  here .

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The 2024 AEM manufacturing express – Celebrating Agriculture Manufacturing

By Farms.com

This summer, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is launching a groundbreaking tour - The AEM Manufacturing Express. From the starting point in Knoxville, Iowa, to the final celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this initiative will traverse over 20 states, spotlighting the crucial contributions of the equipment manufacturing sector. 

The tour is proud to feature a stellar roster of agriculture leaders: AGCO Corporation, CLAAS of America, CNH Industrial, Crenlo Engineered Cabs, Deere & Company, Elliot Equipment, Great Plains Manufacturing, Harper Industries, Hydrabed, Kinze Manufacturing, Kondex Corporation, Krone, Kubota Manufacturing of America, Kuhn North America, The Toro Company, Trimble, Vermeer, and Woods Equipment. This diverse group represents the breadth and depth of the industry, including agricultural machinery and equipment. 

At the heart of the AEM Manufacturing Express are the stories of innovation and resilience that define the sector. Visitors will be treated to an interactive game that delves into the advanced technologies shaping the future of equipment manufacturing, alongside showcases that highlight the critical role of this industry in the global economy and everyday life. 

The tour is more than a series of events; it's a mobilized platform for dialogue with policymakers, an educational journey for communities, and a celebration of the industry's workforce. In a year of significant political activity, AEM's initiative aims to amplify the voice of the manufacturing sector, advocating for supportive policies and recognizing the industry's ongoing contributions to innovation, infrastructure, and agriculture. 

Through the combined efforts of AEM, its member companies, and sponsors, the AEM Manufacturing Express is set to forge a path of awareness, appreciation, and advocacy, highlighting the dynamism and importance of equipment manufacturing in America.

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