Roxie and John are a hit in Ralston

OMAHA — Kindergarten students from Ralston Public Schools near Omaha, were treated with the ultimate trick or treat recently, when a local farmer interrupted a classroom Zoom with a very special guest – his cow.

Hartington dairy operator John Steffen and his cow Roxy were welcomed with cheers from the students as Farmer John popped onto their Zoom screens.

He then taught the students how the milk makes it from the farm onto their tables.

“It was fun to see the students’ reactions as they noticed a not-so-familiar face during our classroom Zoom,” said Rachel Kirchmann, a Ralston Public Schools kindergarten teacher. “This was such a unique and fun experience for the students. They were excited and engaged throughout and were able to ask the farmer a lot of questions.”

Steffen taught students a little cow biology, discussed the nutritional benefits of simple, wholesome milk — which is an excellent source of calcium, Vitamin D and other nutrients necessary for strong bones and good health — and gave students an overview of Roxy’s typical day on the farm.

Students also learned the steps involved in getting milk ready for drinking, and how it’s transported from the farm to local stores.

“As a District, we are always looking for ways to enhance our classroom learning through fun, educational experiences students wouldn’t normally receive during a regular school day,” said Dr. Cecilia Wilken, Director of Teaching and Learning for Ralston Public Schools. “Being able to connect students with a local farmer helps visualize what life is like on a farm, introduces them to the ‘farm to table’ concept, and helps them realize the benefits associated with knowing where the food they enjoy at home comes from.”

The connection between Steffen and the kids was made by Dairy Farmers of America.

“As kids continue to adjust to new ways of learning, we wanted to provide local students with a fun, educational experience that they wouldn’t get in a regular classroom,” said Rachel Kyllo, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Innovation, DFA Dairy Brands. “Making the ‘farm to table’ concept relevant for younger generations through the dairy milk they know and love helps spread awareness of the sustainability and local benefits associated with knowing who produces your food.”

Steffview Dairy Family Farm and their 250 dairy cows provide Kemps milk for Omaha. John is the fourth generation to operate the family farm.

“The Kemps milk you find at grocers is produced right here in Nebraska. Dairy milk was a farm-to-table food long before farm-to-table was trendy, and it’s fun to show kids exactly where their next glass comes from,” said Steffen.

On average, milk travels 315 miles from the farm to a local store. It goes through strict controls to ensure its quality, purity and great taste. Dairy farmers and companies are often local small-business owners, parents, school supporters, and active members of community organizations.

The students didn’t hold back from asking some of their most pressing questions: “Do you live on a farm?” Do any of your cows get their blood sucked by vampire bats?” (The answer to that one was “No.”)

Kemps Dairy Company, located in St. Paul, Minn., coordinated this “virtual field trip” for the students.

The idea originated because Kemps recognized remote classrooms often lack a human touch, teachers have limited resources, and distractions are common. This was among the first of a series of virtual field trips Kemps and Dairy Farmers of America are coordinating around the country.

A video of Steffen’s presentation can be found at the Cedar County News website, www.hartington.net.

Stay in the know!

To get news alerts on your cell phone, get the Cedar County News app in the ITunes store or  in the Google Play Store.