Robotic Milking Center opens at Springdale Farm

Springdale Farm opens the Riedman Robotic Milking Center with a Dairy Day Celebration on Saturday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 696 Colby Street in Ogden. This state-of-the art dairy barn is the first of its kind in the Northeast to offer visitors the opportunity to observe cows being milked of their own free will by a Lely Astronaut Robotic Milking System, a new style of farm management that shifts decision-making from the farmer to the cow thus optimizing animal welfare and productivity. Farm admission is free. Dairy barn tours are $3 ($2 for ages 55 and over or students with college I.D.). Additional highlights include free dairy product samples, compliments of Upstate Farms, a visit from New York State Dairy Princesses, face painting, Springdale's petting zoo as well as wagon and mini-horse carriage rides for $2 per rider (weather permitting).

Since 1993, Springdale Farm has been operated by Heritage Christian Services, a thriving human services agency supporting more than 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities. The farm, part of Northampton Park, serves as a day program for people with special needs. Program participants care for the animals, maintain the grounds and assist in greeting more that 40,000 visitors each year. For information, call 352-5320 or visit www.springdalefarm.org.