More than 130 dairy industry enthusiasts gathered at the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm in Fort Atkinson on June 8, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Hoard’s Dairyman magazine.

It was in January of 1885 when William Dempster Hoard wrote his first issue of a “journal devoted to dairy farming” as a supplement to The Jefferson County Union weekly newspaper. A commemorative issue will be hitting mailboxes. On the cover will be artist Bonnie Mohr’s updated version of the famous “Foster Mothers of the Human Race” painting.

During the event, panelists from all media avenues, discussed topics about communications changes and the challenges throughout the history of the dairy industry. The day wrapped up with a tour of the largest and longest continually registered Guernsey herd in the United States. The farm was recently expanded and added Jerseys in late 2009.