CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL (Chambana Today) — Students across Champaign County are in for a unique experience this October, as the Mobile Dairy Classroom rolls into town for a week of hands-on, cow-powered education. From October 6–10, nearly 3,000 students at nine local schools will learn where their milk comes from—straight from the source.

At the heart of the program is Louise, a beautiful Jersey cow, who will be the star of 24 live milking demonstrations across the county. The Mobile Dairy Classroom, a collaboration between the St. Louis District Dairy Council and Southwest/Southland Dairy Farmers, transforms schoolyards into temporary farm classrooms to teach students about the dairy industry, animal care, and agriculture’s role in everyday life.

A Cow on Campus?

Schools hosting the Mobile Dairy Classroom include St. Thomas in Philo, St. Joseph Grade School, and several elementary schools in Champaign and Rantoul. At each stop, students will watch a live milking demonstration and hear from dairy educators about topics like milk production, cow care, and the nutritional benefits of dairy.

The traveling classroom is one of 11 mobile units operated by the Southwest Dairy Farmers across multiple states. This marks another successful partnership between regional dairy councils working to bridge the urban-rural gap through engaging, age-appropriate programs.

For those unable to attend in person, there’s more good news: the Adopt-A-Calf program is also back for the 2025–26 school year, bringing the farm into the classroom—virtually.

“Adopt” a Calf for the School Year

In addition to the live demonstrations, teachers can now enroll their classrooms in the Adopt-A-Calf program, a no-cost, year-long virtual experience that lets students “adopt” a real dairy calf from a working Illinois or Missouri farm.

Once enrolled, classes name their calf, receive monthly photo updates, and follow along with its growth and development from September through May. Each update includes educational materials tailored to grade levels K–12, making the program accessible for all students.

Teachers will also receive classroom posters, downloadable lessons, and opportunities to participate in dairy-themed contests and prize giveaways throughout the school year.

Schedule Highlights: Mobile Dairy in Champaign County

Here’s a quick look at where Louise and the Mobile Dairy Classroom will be appearing:

• Mon, Oct 6

  • 9:00 AM: St. Thomas School, Philo

  • 12:30 PM: St. Joseph Grade School

• Tues, Oct 7

  • 8:15 AM: Kenwood Elementary, Champaign

  • 12:45 PM: Bottenfield Elementary, Champaign

• Wed, Oct 8

  • 8:30 AM: Eastlawn Elementary, Rantoul

  • 12:45 PM: Pleasant Acres Elementary, Rantoul

• Thurs, Oct 9

  • 8:40 AM: Broadmeadow Elementary, Rantoul

  • 12:30 PM: Northview Elementary, Rantoul

• Fri, Oct 10

  • 9:00 AM: St. Matthew’s Elementary, Champaign (four sessions)

Educators or media interested in attending a demonstration can reach out for more information or to coordinate coverage. High-resolution photos and a post-event press release will be made available upon request.

To sign up for Adopt-A-Calf, visit: https://www.stldairycouncil.org/our-programs/adopt-a-calf-barn-open. Deadline: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Enrollment is open now, but the deadline to sign up is Friday, September 26. For more on the Mobile Dairy Classroom, visit: https://southwestdairyfarmers.com/mobile-dairy-classroom.