Dairy Breakfast at the Drendel Farm

Never been on a farm before? Then here’s your chance.

Dale and Linda Drendel are opening their Hampshire farmstead to the general public for a Dairy Breakfast and Farm Tour on Saturday, June 18 from 6 to 11 a.m.

The Drendels offer this unique experience to visit a farm and provide others with a better understanding of the origins of their food, such as dairy products. “This Saturday morning family activity is meant to be enjoyed by all ages,” said Dale Drendel. “We welcome visitors and hope they see this as an opportunity to learn more about how we care for our animals and produce fresh and wholesome milk.”

When you visit their farm, known as Lindale Holstein Farm, one of the highlights will be watching some of the 150 dairy cows being milked in the milking parlor. The modern parlor accommodates 11 Holstein cows at a time and offers viewers an up-close look at the farm’s automation and the transfer of milk from the cow to the bulk tank. Milking demonstrations will occur from 6 to 9 a.m.

The farm visit also offers a tour of the barns to see the young dairy calves, heifers and cows. If you have never milked a cow before you will have this once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to milk a cow by hand just like farmers used to do many years ago. And, you’ll see all aspects of dairy production, from the feed used in their special diets to the care taken by farmers to assure their animals are comfortable and healthy.

Besides the cows, visitors to the farm will see farm equipment used on the dairy and grain farm and get to sit on the seat of a modern tractor, plus participate in a scavenger farm hunt.

Then, to top off the morning a hearty farm-style breakfast will be served complete with pancakes, sausage, applesauce, cheese, milk, coffee and ice cream, from 6 to 11 a.m.

A donation of $8 for adults and $5 for children (5-10 years) will be collected at the farm. The price includes breakfast and the farm visit. Children 4 and under are free. All proceeds go for dairy education in local schools. The Dairy Breakfast and Farm Tour is being sponsored by dairy farmers from DeKalb and Kane counties.

As livestock caretakers for the past 40 years, Dale and Linda hold themselves accountable to the hundreds of dairy animals on their farm. “We take personal responsibility for feeding and caring for our animals,” said Linda, “and providing top quality milk for consumers.” They grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa, oats and wheat, much of which is used for dairy feed.

To learn more about the Drendels and the Dairy Breakfast visit their website at: www.lindaleholsteins.com. For additional information contact Bill Lenschow, Dairy Breakfast Chairman, 815-895- 9690.

Directions: The Drendel Farm address is 15N057 Walker Road, Hampshire, IL 60140. Their farm is located two miles southwest of Hampshire. From north of Sycamore on Rt. 23, travel east on Plank Road for seven miles until you reach Burlington. Turn left, going north, on Walker Road for three miles. Look for signs as you near the farmstead.