Open house
2026 OPEN HOUSE
What an incredible day at Van Ess Dairy!
From trolley tours and busy barns to curious calves, Education Alley, and so many smiling faces, the Open House was truly a celebration of dairy, agriculture, and community.
A huge thank you to Van Ess Dairy for opening their doors and welcoming the public onto the farm. We are so grateful for your time, hospitality, and willingness to share your story.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, who kept everything running smoothly throughout the day, and to our sponsors for making this event possible through your generous support.
And finally, thank you to our WIDA Board for your leadership, planning, and commitment to dairy education in Western Iowa.
Events like this remind us how special it is to connect consumers directly with the people behind their food. We are proud to help share that story.
Until next time—thank you for celebrating June Dairy Month with us! 🥛💙
To view more photos, check out the link below!
What is the open house?
Each year we host our largest event of the year that brings together dairy farmers, industry professionals, and community members to celebrate and showcase one dairy in western Iowa. Attendees have the opportunity to tour the farm, learn about modern dairy practices, and engage with experts to gain insights into dairy production, sustainability efforts, and the importance of dairy in the local economy.
The event also features a free meal, educational exhibits, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to enjoy dairy products, fostering greater appreciation and understanding of the dairy industry's vital role in the region.
2025: Skyline Dairy
2025’s Open House at Skyline Dairy was an incredible celebration of community, dairy, and connection. We welcomed an estimated 1,500 guests from near and far, all eager to experience life on the farm. Visitors enjoyed hands-on dairy education, learning where milk comes from and how it gets from the cow to their table.
Free food, refreshing dairy treats, and plenty of smiles made the day extra special. Families lingered to chat, enjoy the atmosphere, and share in the fellowship that makes our rural community so unique.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — your enthusiasm and support help keep the tradition of dairy farming strong! We look forward to bringing you another awesome Open House in NW IA in 2026!
Special thanks to Rawhide Photography for capturing our day!
