First grade students from Wolsey-Wessington School enjoyed a fall tradition on Thursday, October 23, with their annual trip to the Lazy J Dairy and the Larsen family pumpkin patch. This long-standing tradition has been a favorite for generations of students in the district.
At Lazy J Dairy, Russel and Janet Jungemann welcomed the first graders to learn how milk makes its way from the farm to the store. Students discovered how cows are milked, how the milk travels to the storage tank, and how it is kept cool through the refrigeration process. Kari Jungemann provided a tour and explained the dairy’s computerized milking system, while eighth grader Mya Flemming, Janet’s granddaughter, gave students a closer look at the milk storage area.
The second stop of the day was Bill and Carol Larsen’s family farm, home to their pumpkin patch. Bill treated everyone to a hayride from the dairy to the farm, where each student picked a pumpkin that was “just right” for them. Afterward, Bill and Carol served up cookies and milk for a tasty fall snack. The Larsen family began hosting first graders at their pumpkin patch about fifteen years ago, when their daughter Maddie was in first grade.
These hands-on experiences connect perfectly with the first-grade curriculum, giving students a chance to learn where their food comes from and explore life cycles — including the growth and development of pumpkins. The trip ended on a fun note as students received special gifts from the dairy and the Larsen farm, including a pumpkin, sunglasses, a fidget toy and a coloring book about dairy, making the day both educational and memorable.