There is a tradition at the Missouri State Fair. After our family completes the junior breeding sheep show, we head out for ice cream. After an often long, hot day in jeans next to wooly animals, it is a cool treat.

This year was not different. Even though my kids no longer show, after watching my nieces, nephews and a few other favorite 4-H and FFA members in the ring, we headed off for some ice cream cones. But it is not to an ice cream truck or eatery downtown, no, it is right on the Missouri State Fairgrounds at the Gerken Dairy Center.

It is not a short walk from the sheep barn on the southwest side to the dairy center on the northeast side. But it is THE place for ice cream, and we are dedicated to the mission.

Cow and cake

While standing in line, we always peer into the glass window to see the butter sculpture. This year did not disappoint. It was a celebration, complete with a cow and a cake!

Tracey Adams, a potter by trade from Reeds Spring, Mo., sculpted more than 800 pounds of unsalted butter donated by Keller’s Creamery, a division of Dairy Farmers of America, into a buttery scene depicting Bessie the Cow joining a birthday celebration. Titled “Party ‘Til the Cows Come Home,” it reflected the Gerken Dairy Center's 20th year at the Missouri State Fair.

The Gerken Dairy Center serves 23 hand-dipped ice cream flavors, including a new birthday cake flavor in honor of this year’s birthday celebration. In 2018, about 2,250 gallons of hand-dipped ice cream treats were served throughout the fair. The center also creates shakes and grilled cheese sandwiches, including the Grilled Bacon Mac and Cheese sandwich.

Focus on dairy farmers

Over the years, Missouri dairy operations have dwindled. In only 15 years, close to 870 Grade A dairies have left the industry. Missouri remains a net importer of milk and milk products. It is sad to think that we must rely on others to produce a staple of our diets.

So, it is good to take at least one time of year to reach consumers with the importance of dairy operations and dairy farmers.

More than 40,000 people experienced dairy at the Missouri State Fair in one form or another. Whether it was taking in a dairy cattle show, watching a milking demonstration, eating grilled cheese, seeing a butter sculpture, or my favorite — diving into a bowl of hand-dipped strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

A big happy birthday to Gerken Dairy Center! Thanks for providing fairgoers with products from Missouri’s hardworking dairy farmers.