Shawano County Dairy Promotions spreads the word about agriculture in Shawano County. Anyone can join the group, whose activities teach the value of the agriculture industry.
“It’s open to anyone who has an interest in promoting the dairy industry,” President Mary Lou Kugel said.
Their next event is providing the cheese for the Rural Health Initiative Wine and Cheese Tasting fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. Feb. 12 at The Main Event in Cecil.
“Volunteers help with serving,” Kugel said.
There is also some hot food available. This year, it is quesadillas.
“We come up with a different theme each year,” Kugel said.
The group’s biggest project is Adventures in Dairyland, which is teaching fourth-graders not only about farming, but also about the far reaches of the dairy industry.
Volunteers go into the classrooms for one hour a day for two weeks. Students might go to a farm, and they tour a grocery store to learn about all the products that are connected to agriculture.
“I’ve done it for so many years,” Kugel said. “We’re always looking for more volunteers.”
All the information is provided with the assistance of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. Terri Brunner coordinates the program, contacting schools, lining up volunteers and assembling the curriculum materials.
They help send 4-H youth to national dairy judging, supply the dairy treat at the library for story times, give awards for June Dairy Month window displays, and fair premiums for dairy recipes in the open class at the fair. The group provides the dairy treats for local runs.
“Chocolate milk is a good recovery treat,” Kugel said.
During the annual Brunch on the Farm, the group covers the cost of ice cream and strawberries in the Red Barn and provides prizes for the kids games. Last year was the first time there was a run at the Brunch on the Farm, and Kugel said the participants really enjoyed the scenic route.
Money for the the group’s activities comes from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.
Members meet four times a year. The first three are in members’ homes; the last one is a social gathering.
Other officers are LeRoy Raddant, vice president; Jon Wesenberg, treasurer; and Teri Karcz, secretary. Members at-large are Bonnie Engel, Connie Nischke, Jeff Strassburg, Rhonda Strebel, Deb Mielke, Deb Wolf, Heather Jauquet and Tammy Styczynski.
For information, call Kugel at 715-524-3597
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