Dairy Discovery Zone

When it comes to the dairy industry, consumers sometimes have questions.

“Where does my milk come from?”
“Do dairy farmers care for their animals and the land?”
“Is milk really that nutritious?”
 
The Dairy MAX staff and board of directors have heard these questions and they have a new answer: the Dairy Discovery Zone (DDZ).
 
The DDZ is a multi-faceted, hands-on educational exhibit that serves as a traveling farm tour. It will make stops at large-scale venues -- fairs, rodeos and marathons -- in major metropolitan markets throughout the Dairy MAX region. The goal is to have the exhibit leave a positive dairy impression at events that historically draw 50,000-plus attendees.
 
The exhibit has been in the works for two years and was produced through collaboration and partnerships across the entire industry. All of the DDZ messaging and information was created for the average person who has never been to a farm or understands the true source of their food and what it takes to produce it. The DDZ also will help Dairy MAX increase product sales by educating  about  health and wellness needs, as well as consumers’ flavor and taste demands.
 
The DDZ highlights the “family owned and operated” aspects of dairy farms, while emphasizing producers’ commitments to animal care and environmental stewardship. There is a strong message that milk quality starts at the dairy farm.
 
The 38-foot exhibit trailer features a brightly colored graphic wall with intriguing dairy questions such as “What is whey?” and “Do dairies recycle?”
 
Once inside the exhibit, visitors to the DDZ will see:
  • A video produced at a regional dairy that shares milk’s journey, from the farm to the consumer’s refrigerator
  • Wide-screen video monitors that offer physical fitness activities and games for kids  that can accommodate large groups
  • A football toss that promotes the industry’s Fuel Up to Play 60 nutrition and physical activity partnership with the National Football League.
  • A stage area that provides a venue for TV broadcasts, presentations and cooking demonstrations that include dairy products.
  • A computer kiosk that allows users to compare milk’s nutritional value to other beverages.
  • “Bossie,” a life-size model cow that offers participants a hands-on milking experience. Participants can have their photo taken with Bossie as a way of remembering their dairy adventure.