Kansas dairies put in extra effort for quality products, not just during June Dairy Month

Amy Hadachek
Jun 19, 2024
Jun 19, 2024

1 of 2

Fourth generation dairy farmer Melissa Hildebrand-Reed stands in the free-stall barn with her “girls,” as she calls the milking herd. Hildebrand-Reed is president of the Kansas Dairy Association.

Submitted photo

Chocolate milk is a favorite, featured here on a Hiland Dairy Foods delivery truck.

Submitted photo

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Amy Hadachek

Hildebrand Farms Dairy in northern Kansas keeps some treasured traditions, such as their preference for selling milk in glass bottles.

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Dairy Month Kansas 2.jpg — Hildebrand Farms Dairy owners are David Hildebrand, left, Kathy Hildebrand, and their son Tod Hildebrand, plus Margaret Hildebrand, Mary Hildebrand and her husband Alan Hildebrand, and their daughter Melissa Hildebrand-Reed.
Submitted photo

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Dairy Month Kansas 1.jpeg — Hildebrand Farms Dairy, their farm store and processing plant is seen from the air west of Junction City, Kan.
Submitted photo

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Dairy Month Kansas 4.jpg — One of the newest truck wraps is on display at Hiland Dairy Foods with trucks ready to go for the next day’s delivery. The Manhattan, Kan., dairy cooperative offers full service milk delivery.
Submitted photo

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Freelance writer Amy Hadachek is a two-time Emmy Award winning meteorologist and a storm chaser who earned her NWA and AMS Broadcast Meteorology Seals of Approval. She and her husband live on a diversified farm in Kansas. Reach her at editorial@midwestmessenger.com.