Wednesday: Mother Nature made her own schedule

Mother Nature decided to run her own course on Wednesday. It was a busy day for the animals at the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. The births started early in the morning at 1 a.m. with a sow who had 14 piglets. During the evening we have someone on staff to watch over the animals and assist the births if necessary.

Piglets shortly after they were born.

The next sow decided to start farrowing (giving birth) at about 7 a.m. This sow delivered 19 piglets.

Piglets drinking from their mother.

While the pig was giving birth, the cow also went into labor at about 8 a.m. With all the morning action, the Miracle of Birth Center staff tried to get the gates to the Center open as soon as they were able. By 10 a.m., the third sow decided it would also give birth to 11 piglets.

More piglets.

At 2 p.m., the calf name was revealed. Through text messages, the most popular name was Daisy. She and her mother were transported home to Gar-Lin Dairy Farms later that evening.

By 3 p.m., the next cow looked like she was next. But it turned out to be a false alarm. She decided not to have her baby yet.

A crowd watches as the veterinarians on staff checked the cow. 

However, the fourth and final sow didn't want to feel left out. At about 4:30 p.m., the last sow gave birth to 13 piglets.

More piglets after they were born earlier that day.

Although we would have liked to space out the births and had them all during the hours we were open, Mother Nature had a different idea.

Throughout the day, visitors were able to visit with Princess Kay of the Milky, Mary Zauhrones, and Goodhue and Olmsted County dairy princesses.

Princess Kay poses for a picture with Miracle of Birth Center visitor, Leah Sheehan.

Princess Kay reads a book to visitors to the Miracle of Birth Center during story time.

Another exciting day of births!

It was another exciting day yesterday at the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. We once again had Princess Kay of the Milky Way join us. Along with that, we welcomed eight new piglets and a beautiful bull calf to the Center.

The day was filled with excitement as we listened to Princess Kay of the Milky Way during story time. After that people were able to participate in a scavenger hunt to learn more about agriculture and the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center!  

The rain decided to hit us. Luckily, we had a sow that was ready to farrow so those stuck inside were able to experience the miracle of birth. The sow had eight healthy piglets and they are all doing great! Stop out to to building 43 at the Olmsted County fairgrounds and visit them along with the other three litters of piglets!  

The fun didn't stop there. Shortly after the piglets were born around 5:30 p.m., one of the cows went into labor. Unfortunately, the calf was coming backwards. So we had to assist the cow in giving birth for her safety and the safety of the calf. The bull calf was born around 7 p.m. We am happy to report that mother and baby are doing fantastic!

Today the birth center was crawling with people as well! Everyone loves visiting the new piglets and seeing the chicks, ducks, calves and lambs. At 3:45 p.m. today, the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center welcomed a healthy heifer (girl) calf! The mother did great delivering her and the calf is about ready to start standing!

We still have some chicks left to hatch, a cow to calve and a pig to farrow! So come check out all the baby animals at the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center and learn how to milk a cow!  

The miracle starts here

It is less than 17 days away from the grand opening of the AgStar Miracle of Birth Center. There has been a lot of work put into making this amazing event possible. One of the biggest things needed to make sure this is a success is a nice building. Due to the mass amount of rain we have had this month, getting the building ready has been tricky.

Have no fear though, the building is now painted on both the inside and outside! Also, a new sign has been placed above the opening of the door. Along with the new renovations to the building the gestation stalls have arrived for the pigs. Gestation stalls are used to ensure that both the sow and her piglets get the best care possible and are always safe. We will keep you updated as things progress and give you a complete schedule of events!

Get excited the Olmsted County FREE Fair will be here in no time!

Answer: A chicken's heart beats 275 times a minute!

Question for next time: How many acres of pizza do Americans consume in one day?

June is Dairy Month!

June is an exciting time for many people. During this month, the school year ends for many students, we celebrate with fathers on Father's Day and it's also the official start of summer on June 21.

June is also dairy month! It's a time to recognize the dairy farmers in the area. They help produce lots of delicious food like the milk for cereal in the morning or dunking cookies after dinner, the cheese for a burger or on top of broccoli, and the yogurt for mixing with granola during snack time just to name a few examples. (Are you getting hungry yet?) 

Dairy month is also a great time to learn more about dairy farms and the families who own them. Many people in this corner of the state don't have to travel far to find dairy farmers. In southeast Minnesota there are 30,500 milking cows, each of which is cared for by dedicated dairy farmers. The animals are given clean comfortable places to rest, nutritious food and fresh water. The commitment to caring for their animals starts the day each animal is born. The AgStar Miracle of Birth Center will be a great place to see four dairy cows and their calves, and talk to some of the local dairy farmers from the area. 

For now, enjoy your dairy products. Pour yourself a tall glass of milk, eat a slice of cheese with your crackers or enjoy a cold ice cream treat. Happy June Dairy Month!

The answer to the question from the previous post is 155 people. Here is the next question:

How many total farms (not just dairy) are there in Minnesota? 

Comment with your answer along with your favorite dairy product in honor of June Dairy Month!