With June Dairy Month well underway, it is important to practice safe habits when visiting a Wisconsin farm. Whether you have made plans to visit an iconic Wisconsin dairy breakfast or are taking part in one of the state’s many agritourism opportunities, here are five quick farm visit tips to make you the best farm guest.
Wear clean footwear
While no one expects you to wear a new pair of tennis shoes on an active farm, clean footwear is a simple practice with a big impact. It ensures you are not tracking in unwanted germs near farm animals. Farmers work hard to keep their animals healthy; wearing clean shoes shows respect for their work, animals and livelihood.
Pro tip: Make sure your shoes are closed-toe to keep your feet clean and protected while on the farm!
Only visit one farm a day
Just like you avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen, it’s smart to do the same with farms. Stick to one farm per day to reduce the risk of bringing something uninvited from one stop to the next.
Pro tip: If you do find yourself in a situation where you are visiting multiple farms, resist touching farm animals and bring a change of shoes or disposable boot covers. A little prep goes a long way in keeping everyone safe—animals included.
Wash hands before and after visiting
When visiting a farm, it is best practice to wash your hands with soap and water before and after, especially after touching animals or farm equipment. This is a simple measure that protects yourself, the animals and others. It is also a safety measure when consuming food and beverage in a farming environment, as bacteria can linger on surfaces and animal fur.
Stick to visitor areas
When experiencing a Wisconsin dairy breakfast or similar on-farm event, curiosity can quickly get the best of you. However, it is important to remember that you are the guest of an active and working farm. Visitor areas are mapped out to ensure the safety of you and your family while also allowing the farm to continue its day-to-day activities while the event is taking place.
Pro tip: Stay in your designated areas and if you are curious for more information about a particular area of the farm, ask the hosting farmer or event volunteer.
Take photos, not souvenirs
Whether it is your first time on a farm or you’ve visited before, capture the moments you are enjoying with your family. However, leave everything else where you found it; do not take anything that is a part of the farming ecosystem as a souvenir (i.e. rocks, sticks, etc.). This ensures there is no additional disruptions to the animals or the farm environment.
Pro tip: Many farm events feature local organization and vendor booths featuring many takeaway items. You are welcomed and encouraged to take these items home with you to continue your experience after you leave the farm!
Learn more
With these farm visit tips, you are ready to be the best farm guest. Check out where to find a Wisconsin dairy breakfast or more on-farm opportunties on our website.
Make sure to subscribe to the biweekly Gather Wisconsin e-newsletter for regular opportunities to experience Wisconsin agriculture on the farm or in the home.