Sustainable agriculture education at Lake States Dairy

CoBank, along with six other Farm Credit System institutions, is contributing a combined $2.7 million over the next five years to the Lake States Dairy Center at Fair Oaks Farms. This initiative aims to enhance public education on sustainable agricultural practices and inform the public about livestock and food production. The funding will support new exhibits and educational programs that showcase food safety, animal care, nutrition, environmental stewardship, employee care and community engagement.

The Lake States Dairy Center, a not-for-profit organization, has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors annually since its opening in 2004. It operates alongside Fair Oaks Farms, focusing on transparent communication of modern, innovative and sustainable agriculture. Visitors can explore full-scale operating farms, engage with educational curriculum and interact with trained facilitators.

“On behalf of all seven Farm Credit institutions partnering on this contribution, we could not be more excited to support the ongoing efforts of Lake States Dairy Center to raise awareness of agricultural practices, livestock and food production at Fair Oaks Farms,” said Steve Wittbecker, CoBank’s chief sustainability officer. “The enrichment programs at Fair Oaks Farms allow visitors to learn and appreciate the efforts taken by management to ensure responsible dairy production as they nourish the communities they serve.”