Hansen's Farm has been located outside of Hudson, Iowa for around 150 years and currently the 6th generation owns and operates the farm, with the 7th generation growing up and living on the farm. Twelve years ago when 5th generation owners and operators, Jay and Jeanne Hansen, saw that four of their children wanted to come back to the farm they knew they needed a way to add value to their family dairy farm, so the 6th generation that wanted to come back to the farm could, and that is how the on-farm creamery began. In November of 2002 construction began on the creamery and in February of 2004 the creamery produced its first gallon of milk.
Blake and MP became good friends during our time at the farm Here he is telling us about the dry cows (a phase in the lactation cycle where the cows don't produce milk) |
One of the kids' favorite stops on the tour was at the calf huts, where calves live from the first day of their life to a few months old. Calf huts are used to help reduce disease, stress and injury. LP really enjoyed petting the calves. One neat thing about Hansen's Dairy is that they give every calf a name that is associated with their family line. In the photo, Skittles (whose Mom is Snickers) is licking LP's hand.
The kangaroos loved giving MP kisses |
Our other favorite stop was the tour center, where they had a lot of fun kid and educational activities, as well as products for sell. We had some ice cream at the center and brought home some milk, cheese curds and ice cream! It was hard to choose what ice cream to eat after the tour, as well as what to bring home, since they have over 30 flavors! What we love about their ice cream is that it is very rich and thick. They also sell butter and ground beef.
You can buy Hansen's Dairy products (including their delicious ice cream) at many locations across the Northeast quadrant of Iowa, or if you are ever in the Waterloo area I recommend you going to their Moo Roo ice cream store or their Dairy Outlet store, or head out to the Dairy Farm outside of Hudson. They have products available at their tour center.
Have you ever been to a Dairy Farm? Check out all of their ice cream flavors - what would you like to try? Remember to Comment for a Cause!
Be sure to check out our First Iowa Ice Cream Trip Stop and what other fun things we have planned on our Summer Bucket List.
Looks like fun! I haven't been to a dairy farm, but I live in the country and know a few people who have diary cows. I'd love to have my own one day. I'm craving ice cream now! :) Thanks for sharing the adventure with us!
ReplyDeleteWe did have a lot of fun. I admire dairy farmers. They have a hard job that literally gets them up before sunrise and keeps them out late every day. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
DeleteLoved the photos! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteLooks like the boy really liked the ice cream! I like ice cream too!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, our son loved his ice cream. In fact, our entire family enjoys ice cream!
DeleteYour ice cream field trips are making me hungry! Ice cream is my ultimate weakness!
ReplyDeleteIt is mine too. You guys should pack your bags and go on a trip too!
DeleteNice blogpost, Val. I LOVE Hansen's dairy. They are a stellar example of how to grow a family farm and contribute to their local economy. A win-win!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I couldn't agree more! They are a wonderful asset for all of Northeast Iowa.
DeleteWe don't have anything even similar out here in the capital city of Virginia, just chain stores. (Insert sad face). I am now offically jealous. Glad you share your adventures with us on the blog hop!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy we have so many non-chain/mom & pop stores in Iowa. We have fun on our Ice Cream Road Trip!
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