Kansas Dairy Showcases Industry at State Fair

The 2023 Kansas State Fair allowed for the dairy industry to be represented across the grounds. The iconic Dairy Bar underthe Grandstand continued to serve hard-pack ice cream with four flavors of soft-serve from Hildebrand Family Farms. Lemonadesoft-serve ice cream was formulated by Melissa Hildebrand Reedfor the fair. A popular item was ice cream nachos, featuring sweetchips, soft serve ice cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles. Thedairy bar, operated by the Kansas Dairy Association, added single-serve Hiland cottage cheese and Alma Creamery cubed cheese toan express line. The most popular item – and one people will wait in line to order — is an ice cream cone.

The Kansas Dairy Commission sponsored the homemade ice cream and ice cream topping contest, homemade cheesecake contest and a dairy foods reception before the naming of the Supreme Champion at the dairy show. Additionally, Kansas dairy farmers donated milk to the Governor’s Ag Appreciation lunch and Special Olympics Showmanship reception. Two dairy foods demonstrations were given during the Monday of the fair – often the busiest day – and featured ways to use cottage cheese, gaining a resurgence in popularity.

A tasting-sized Ice Cream Nacho was popular during Kansas City Chiefs Day at the Kansas State Fair.