Time for another Homeschool Field Trip with our Co-op.This time we visit the Mayfield Dairy and go to their 1200-acre farm where they have a Corn Maze, Hay Ride, and so much more!

First stop is the Mayfield Dairy. Like most manufacturing plants, they’re afraid you’re going to go a divulge their secret processes or start milking cows yourself and compete with them. So, no taking pictures allowed inside. I’m super disappointed. We get a tour of the facility where they show us how the plastic gallons are made and the milk is packaged.

We have to wear these lovely bright red hairnets inside the facilities…cause you don’t want to find our hair in your milk, do you? SUPER SWEXY! I take one home for Dick as well. lol.

My favorite Mayfield product is hands down, the Brown Cow Juniors. They’re the perfect size and I love the crispy chocolate on the outside with the creamy vanilla on the inside. Yum!

FUN FACT: Did you know that a cow can smell as far away as six miles? That’s pretty far!

NEXT STOP. THE FARM.

The farm is two miles down the road from the dairy. On the way, I see a beautiful country farmhouse that looks like it belongs in the country-sides of France.

We almost decided not to go to the corn maze today because it was windy and cold and I thought, it’s just a corn maze. But, when we got there, there was so much more than that.

As soon as we pull up to the farm, I immediately notice the massive field of sunflowers. I love sunflowers!!! I’m so happy with the way these images turned out.

Since I’m going to a dairy farm, you’d think I’d see some cows right? No, not even one! Mayfield gets their milk from local dairy farmers, so no cows here! This old milking area is what the Mayfield’s used to use before they outsourced their milk. This nice, local dairy farmer explains to us just how it’s done. Being a farmer is hard work folks! Much respect.

The girls were SO ready to milk a real cow but instead, they get to practice on these fake ones. Darn and shucks!

Joe Pesci: This could be confusing for you. “Teet” may sound like “teeth” to you given the pronunciation, but they’re not. Teet are the cow’s nipples.

NOW TO TOUR THE MAZE.

This year the maze is cut into the shape of a pumpkin. I’m intrigued as to how they plow the field to make these shapes…how do you know where you’re going when you can hardly see anything but corn stalks?

This picture I took made me think of that horror movie, Children of the Corn. I never watched it though since I don’t like watching horror movies.  Why would I want to scare myself into oblivion? Reminds me of the time I went to my prom, afterwards, the guys had this genius idea they would put in a scary movie (Cape Fear) so the girls would cuddle close with them and be our saviors. It put me to sleep instead.

The kids have to find six checkpoints and every corner almost looks the same. It’s quite easy to get lost but luckily, there’s a “corn cop” to help you find your way in case you do. We had to consult to the “corn cop” on several occasions.

HAY JUMPING.

You wouldn’t think large bales of hay would be any fun would you? Guess again. This keeps the kids busy for quite a while as we’re waiting to go on a hay ride.

THE CORN BOX.

It’s all HAY and CORN folks. We’re on a farm, what do you expect?

WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

Lots to see and do…

FINALLY. THE HAYRIDE.

We had such a good turnout from our homeschool group that we’re packed in like sardines.The more the merrier! The views of the farm are spectacular. However, as much as I love the farm, this Jane could not live that far out in the country.

We had a FANTASTIC time at the Mayfield Farm. The only negative was the mud from all the recent rain. Luckily, we didn’t have rain today until after all the fun was done, but we were definitely victims of the mud. Louise was running and got her shoe stuck in the mud and so…FOOT in mud! DAYUM! Ok, so we’re throwing out those socks. Mommy is not very excited about the mud in her car or cleaning those shoes.

Thanks for a great day MAYFIELD!!!

-Jane, Mud-cleaning Mom