We had the best time at a field trip in Edgefield this week. Hickory Hill is a family run dairy farm and the Dorn family graciously let us come to see how they milk the cows and bottle their milk to sell at places like Earth Fare. We had a great turnout!
The family owns 650 acres that have been in the family since the 1760s. They also lease other property to grow some of the feed that they feed the cows. They originally sold timber and grew other crops, but started the dairy business in the 1950s.
We went to see the calves. Some were just a few days old. Sixty days before the cows have their babies, they are brought into a shady pen and get to just eat and sleep and relax until the birth....that's what I'm talkin' about!
Let's just say that the sights and smells of agriculture were all around. My friend Kim, who is due one day before me, was loving the smells as much as me. I just kept saying, "Breathe through your mouth!"
A funny side note, Kim and Christian went to the prom together in high school. How funny is that!
This is where they milk the cows. So high tech. Everything is computerized. It was also sooo clean. He has the cleanest dairy in the state!
Mr. Dorn showing us what the cows eat.
This is where the bottling process happens. He explained to us all about pasteurization and homogenization. I think some of the parents enjoyed this part more than the kids.
And finally, tasting the chocolate milk. Delicious!
After a "picnic" lunch in the hunting lodge, we bought some milk and were on our way. It was a fun day!
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