Cheese, cows, and Vermont’s dairy culture will take center stage this weekend at Billings Farm & Museum during the Cheese and Dairy Celebration. Visitors will have a chance to learn how the farm cares for its cows and the milk they produce. They’ll also get to sample a variety of dairy products from many of the state’s artisan cheese makers including Billings Farm Cheddar.

The 270-acre Billings Farm was established in 1871. Frederick Billings was a lawyer and railroad builder, and he became known for his scientific farm management and reforestation practices. His plan was to operate his dairy farm based on the principles of efficiency, sustainability, and responsible land use.

Today the farm is owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, Inc. The museum was established in 1983 to preserve the historic farm and allow the public to learn about the character and heritage of rural Vermont.

A visit will include livestock barns and farm-life exhibits. There is also an 1890 farmhouse visitors can explore. Some of the farm’s demonstrations include how to churn butter, an introduction to milking, and learning about the farm’s Jersey cows, sheep, and draft horses. In addition, visitors can watch the dairy herd being machine-milked each afternoon at 3:30pm.

This family-friendly event begins Saturday May 27 and continues through Sunday May 28, from 10am to 5pm each day. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors ages 62 and over, $9 for students ages 16 and older (with a student ID), $8 for children 5 to 15, and $4 for children ages 3 and 4. 

Billings Farm and Museum is located at 69 Old River Road in Woodstock. For more information, go to billingsfarm.org.