Preparing cows for their limelight at the Minnesota State Fair: What's the process?
In the heart of Minnesota, Olmar Farms near Sleepy Eye is home to Jill Nelson and her fifth-generation dairy farm. This year, the Nelson family had the showcase herd at the Minnesota State Fair, bringing 14 of their cows for milking demonstrations and other events.
Jill's son, Isaac, is no stranger to the farm life. He's been helping his mother since he was a child, learning the ropes of dairy farming from his family's eight-decade tradition at the fair.
The Minnesota State Fair, affectionately known as the "Great Minnesota Get-Together", is a significant event for the Nelson family. Their cows have been preparing for the fair year-round, much like athletes training for a major competition. The cows receive a special feed and a kind of cosmetic treatment before the fair to ensure they're in top shape.
This year, the Nelson family received extra help due to the majority of their herd being at the fair. Mao Nagai, a helper from Japan participating in a trainee exchange, joined the team. Mao, who enjoys being at the Minnesota State Fair and working with cows, assists with milking cows and clipping cows on the farm.
Mao is learning about the fair and the Minnesota State Fair culture. John Lauritsen, an Emmy award-winning reporter from Montevideo, Minn., who joined WCCO-TV in late-July of 2007, might have some insights to share with Mao. John has been reporting on the Minnesota State Fair for years, capturing the spirit of the event for viewers across the state.
The Nelsons' dairy cows participated in the open show at the Minnesota State Fair and finished with several top 10 places. Jill herself has been coming to the fair since she was a kid, making this year's showcase a special occasion for her and her family.
As the Minnesota State Fair continues, the Nelson family and their helpers work tirelessly to ensure the cows are well taken care of and the demonstrations run smoothly. For Jill, it's more than just a fair—it's a celebration of her family's tradition and the culmination of a year's worth of hard work.
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