Grill and Chill on the Farm: Iowa's Dairy Center at NICC Hosts "Taste of Iowa Picnic" and Agricultural Tours

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. CALMAR, Iowa — Hundreds of community members attended the second annual "Grill and Chill on the Farm: Taste of Iowa Picnic" at Iowa's Dairy Center on the Northeast Iowa Community College campus in Calmar. Hosted by NICC and the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation, the event featured farm tours, live entertainment and food produced by Iowa farmers and agricultural organizations. Organizers said the event was supported in part by a $3,000 Undeniably Dairy grant from Midwest Dairy. The event is designed to connect consumers with local agriculture by providing an opportunity to learn more about farming and food production. "We truly appreciate our summers," said Dave Lawstuen, an NICC agriculture instructor and member of the foundation's education committee. "The weather combined with the great food, live music and tram tours led by farmers made for a perfect evening." Visitors toured active dairy and livestock facilities and learned about agricultural practices directly from farmers and staff. "The farm tours deliver an immersive, educational experience that engages every sense," education committee member Julie Uhlenhake said. "Rather than just learning about our livestock and programs from a distance, visitors get directly into the action." Committee member Gina Mashek said the event helps strengthen the connection between consumers and the people who produce their food. "Everyone should know exactly where their food comes from," Mashek said. "Farmers truly care about their animals and the product they are marketing. This helps to build a stronger relationship between the farmer and the customer." The picnic featured a menu of Iowa-produced foods, including hamburgers, pulled pork, eggs, cheese sticks, milk, honey and apple nachos. Organizers said cheeseburgers and milkshakes were among the most popular items served during the event. Food and products were provided by several agricultural organizations and businesses, including the Winneshiek County Cattlemen's Association, Lynch BBQ and Lynch Livestock, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Egg Council, Prairie Farms, Country View Dairy, Winneshiek County Dairy Promoters, the Northeast Iowa Honey Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension. Uhlenhake said the event serves as more than a community meal. "It's a way to engage with the community, elevate local resources and opportunities, and help young people learn where their food comes from and where they can go to learn more," she said. Organizers thanked sponsors, partners and volunteers who helped make the event possible. Iowa's Dairy Center opened in 2000 on the NICC campus in Calmar. Operated in partnership with the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation, the facility provides hands-on training for students, continuing education opportunities for farmers and educational programming for the public. Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.