Campton Hills dairy farm to hold open house June 29
Kick off your summer fun by visiting a local dairy farm. The Lenkaitis family is opening its barn doors to the general public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29.
Visitors have the opportunity to meet a farm family using technology to produce fresh, wholesome milk.
"We are excited to host our neighbors and the community for an afternoon of fun on the farm. Our family hopes it serves as an opportunity for those attending to learn about the people and dairy cows behind the nutritious milk and dairy foods we all enjoy," says Andy Lenkaitis, part owner and operator of the dairy farm.
The farm, known as Lenkaitis Holsteins, was purchased by the family in 1983 and began with just five cows. Today, the farm is enjoyed by three generations of the Lenkaitis family and is comprised of 150 head, including 80 milk cows.
The newest barn on the farmstead was built in 2018 and houses two robotic milking units.
"On a traditional dairy farm, all of the cows are milked twice or three times a day by people. With robotic milkers, the cows decide when they want to milk," explains Lenkaitis.
Attendees can take a 30-minute guided tour of the dairy barn to see the cows being milked by robotic milkers, learn how the farm maintains a clean, comfortable environment for the cows and examine the feed used in their special diets to keep them healthy.
"We also have the perfect spot for attendees to see the cows up-close and take a selfie with one," adds Lenkaitis.
Besides the cows, visitors will also see tractors and other equipment used to grow and harvest crops. The Lenkaitis family grows corn, alfalfa, oats and small grains primarily used to feed the animals.
Attendees can enjoy their afternoon of fun at the farm with a scoop of ice cream in-hand. A donation of $2 will be collected for a serving of ice cream and your choice of toppings. All proceeds support the 10,000 Gallon Milk Challenge - which aims to support the dairy industry and our neighbors in need by providing 10,000 gallons of milk to area food pantries and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
The Lenkaitis family embraced technology to make their business sustainable for future generations.
"There are only three dairy farms left in Kane County, us included. We made an investment to renovate our farm to take the best care of our cows and people. By making a safe, comfortable environment for both, we look forward to providing top-quality milk for consumers for years to come."
This event is being coordinated by the Illinois Livestock Development Group, Illinois Milk Producers Association and the Kane County Farm Bureau.
To learn more about the Lenkaitis Holsteins and the event, visit their website at lenkaitisholsteins.com or follow them on social media @lenkaitisholsteins.
Directions: Lenkaitis Holsteins is at 6N509 Corron Road, St. Charles - within the village of Campton Hills but with a St. Charles address - just three miles west of Randall Road. From Route 64, take Burlington Road for two miles to Corron Road. Look for signs as you near the farmstead.