Dairy Month in Cayuga County
June in Cayuga County is a time to celebrate one of the region’s deepest agricultural traditions: dairy farming. Long before the Finger Lakes became known for wineries, culinary experiences, and scenic getaways, dairy farms helped shape the landscape, economy, and communities that continue to thrive here today.
Family-owned barns and dairy farming remains an important part of life in Cayuga County. Dairy Month offers the perfect opportunity to recognize the hardworking farm families who care for their animals, steward the land, and help preserve a way of life that has been passed down through generations.
Dairy Month Fun at The Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural Museum
A wonderful place to experience this rich agricultural heritage firsthand is at the Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum, which is celebrating June Is Dairy Month throughout the entire month of June with free activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can explore special exhibits and interactive activities celebrating the dairy industries of Cayuga County.
Here are a few activities you can enjoy during the month of June at the Museum:
Every Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., visitors can sample 10 different cheeses and test their taste buds by identifying each variety.
Every Friday in June, stop by between 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. to sample different ice cream flavors and even help make homemade ice cream.
Every Monday throughout June, visitors can watch homemade butter being made from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — and enjoy a fresh butter tasting afterward.
Click here for a full listing of family fun events planned for June at the museum.
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Beyond the museum, June Dairy Month is also a time to recognize the local dairy farms that continue to innovate while caring for the land and animals that sustain our communities. Below are a few local dairy farms that are continuing the tradition while embracing sustainable farming practices. Through innovation and sustainable farming practices, these dairy operations continue to play a vital role in our communities and local economy.
Established in 1896, the Ripley family has spent generations building a farm rooted in hard work, innovation, and care for the community. Known for their premium Guernsey A2 milk, the farm reflects the dedication seen across many Cayuga County dairy operations today.
Modern dairy farms like Ripley Family Farm continue to embrace sustainable farming practices focused on soil health, responsible land management, animal care, and producing high-quality local products for future generations.
Click here for stores where you can purchase and enjoy their dairy products. A must try is their rich, creamy chocolate milk. It has become especially popular with locals and visitors alike — the kind of nostalgic treat that tastes like summer in Cayuga County.
Patterson Farms, is a dairy farm is a sixth generation family farm, milking 1,100 cows and happily raising the seventh generation on the farm.
The farm uses dairy cow manure and food waste from neighboring facilities to generate electricity and sell the excess power to the grid under the New York State net metering law. Patterson Farm is focused on continuous progress in efficiency and productivity of the farm.
They value: Safety, Animal Care, Environment, Integrity.
Another dairy farm helping shape Cayuga County’s agricultural landscape is Sunnyside Farm in Scipio Center. Operated by the Rejman family, the farm represents the evolution of modern dairy farming in the Finger Lakes. The farm combines generations of agricultural tradition with innovative conservation practices designed to protect local waterways and preserve farmland for future generations.
Their commitment to sustainability, animal care, and responsible land management reflects the dedication seen across many of Cayuga County’s dairy farms today
Milks approximately 2,300 cows, raises 1,700 youngstock, and manages 4,500 acres of cropland.
This farm is a recognized leader in using innovative technologies, such as automated health-monitoring cameras and locomotion scoring, to track cow health and early-detect issues.
They also regularly partner with the American Dairy Association North East to host virtual farm tours, educating thousands of students globally/nationally on modern agriculture and milk production
In Closing…
Dairy Month is about more than milk, cheese, and ice cream it’s about honoring the people behind the products. It’s a celebration of the families who rise before sunrise, the traditions passed from one generation to the next, and the farms helping preserve Cayuga County’s agricultural heritage.
Whether you spend an afternoon at the museum, sampling local cheeses, visit a dairy farm, or simply enjoy an ice cream cone on a warm summer day, June is the perfect time to celebrate dairy in Cayuga County.
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