Saturday, Lumberton’s Country Girl’s Creamery will host its fourth annual Dairy Fest.
For the past five years, dairy farm co-owners Kiahnell Smith, his son Butch and their Jersey cows have produced many of the county’s fresh milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and gelato products.
During this weekend’s event, dairy lovers of all ages can visit the dairy farm to see how farmers take care of their cows and produce the wares seen throughout many supermarkets in Pearl River County.
“We want to make the public aware of the dairy industry here,” Butch Smith said. “Our cows are primarily grass-fed. Our milk is pasteurized at a low temperature versus a high one. This maintains the enzymes and nutrients.”
Country Girl’s milk is non-homogenized, meaning the fat is kept in its natural state, Butch Smith said. It’s better for people, he said.
There are two other dairy farms in the county, but since 2009, there has been a decline in Mississippi’s dairy industry, he said.
“Most farmers that ship their milk don’t have control over milk prices like we do,” Butch Smith said. “This is also a seven days a week job. The cows always have to be milked.”
Butch Smith said it’s important for people to know where their food comes from.
Beginning at 2 p.m., attendees can discover the origins of their dairy products.
There is no admission to the event, and guests can tour the facility and learn about milking and processing, Butch Smith said.
There will also be wagon rides to a pasture where people can feed calves, he said.
Other activities include a corn box, hay pyramid, corn and sorghum maze and a pumpkin patch.
There will be an open concession, live music and face painting, Butch Smith said. There will also be craft vendors, where attendees can purchase some of their wares.
The festival will last from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Country Girl’s Creamery is located at 203 Sammy Jo Road, Lumberton. Learn more at www.countrygirlscreamery.com and through their Facebook page. Contact the staff by phone at 601-606-1762.