Shamrock Farms begins offering educational farm tours to the public

The beginning of November ushered in the start of something new and exciting for Shamrock Farms in Stanfield, Arizona. The dairy, founded in 1922 by the McClelland family, began offering interactive, educational Farm Tours.

Shamrock Farms, the largest family-owned and operated dairy in the Southwest, has a reputation for being the number one milk processor and distributor in the region. The operation, which began with just 20 cows, now has a herd of more than 10,000 and produces 68,000 gallons of milk each day.

“We are so excited about giving back to Arizona families and students with the Farm Tour and showing our continued commitment to the people we serve,” said Norman McClelland, Shamrock Farms’ second-generation president. “Our goal in introducing our farm to visitors is to provide an entertaining and educational experience where adults and children alike can learn about the significance of dairy in our state, along with the invaluable role that milk plays in building healthy bodies.”

Tour guides greet their ‘herds’ in the Welcome Center Barn.

Tour guide Beth Ann Debold talks about well-balanced diets for both kids and cows.

Geared towards families and kids of all ages, the farm tours were also designed with students in mind. Shamrock Farms, who consulted with teachers in developing the program, boasts that the activity-driven tour works to reinforce school curriculum while giving the students a fun, hands-on look at the inner workings of a dairy farm. They’ve even designed downloadable lesson plans in areas such as math, history and reading comprehension.

One of only 65 Guernsey descendants of the original Shamrock Farms herd, these brown cows produce milk high in butterfat.

“Shamrock Farms has always been deeply committed to the community and has worked diligently to design a curriculum-based tour that reinforces Arizona’s standards,” said McClelland. “A visit to the farm is an educational experience where families meet the cows who make our dairy so special.”

The 75-minute tour begins at the Welcome Center Barn, where participants are assigned to a “herd” before loading onto a “cow-spotted tram”. Guides lead the herd through the dairy farm which features areas like the Feed Zone, where hay is specially prepared with vitamins and minerals to maintain the cows well-balanced diet; the Desert Oasis Cow Spa, which pampers the cows and keeps them cool in the hot Arizona summers; the state-of-the-art Milking Barn, where groups can watch as 200 cows are milked at one time and Roxie’s (the official Shamrock Farms’ spokes-cow’s) Calf Nursery.

The state-of-the-art Milking Barn allows the farm to milk 200 cows at a time.

Along the way kids will learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits, in addition to some fun cow facts. At the end of the tour, groups visit the nursery and choose a name for one of the farm’s new calves.

One of the newest members of the Shamrock Farms herd.

The farm also offers an interactive museum, featuring a timeline and exhibits documenting the company’s history. Before departing visitors can enjoy the indoor picnic area, the ice cream parlor and the gift shop.

Several members of MOMS Club of Maricopa recently enjoyed a visit to Shamrock Farms and Roxie’s Playground.

Shamrock Farms is located at 40034 W. Clayton Road in Stanfield, nine miles south of the Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway on White & Parker Road. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with tours and school field trips departing at various times. For more information, tour schedules, or to make reservations, visit their web site.