Young's Jersey Dairy — Restaurant in Springfield

Dear Cows,

We see you. We care.

We’re sorry. We’re trying.

We're not supporting businesses that exploit animals.

#DitchDairy #EndSpeciesism #AnimalLiberation #AnimalExploitation #CognitiveDissonance #VoiceForTheVoiceless

"June 2017, my team at work all went to Young's Dairy for some team building activities; lunch (I had a black bean burger and steamed green beans), and miniature golf. After we finished golf, a co-worker asked if we could wander to the barn and see the "babies." I didn't really think anything of it at the time. My vegan journey started and was focused on the health aspects of plant based nutrition. While walking in the barn, I happened to turn around and saw the line of dairy cows, chained and looking extremely uncomfortable, barely any space to move around. I happened to see one looking at me. As I looked into her eyes, I began to cry. I felt so much empathy for her. Knowing what her life will be, the forced artificial insemination, the babies she will lose (male calves may be sold for veal and females put into the same fate as her), the loneliness that she may feel just lying there, chained to a rail with the sole purpose of being exploited for humans to drink her milk thinking it's normal, natural, and necessary. I believe that was that moment I became an ethical vegan. This connection that I made is the reason that I eventually became an activist.

Shortly after I attended this event, I met a passionate activist as well as other vegans in my community. The universe aligned the situation. I became an activist to show others to know the unfortunate reality of these animals' lives and to show that there is a way to live a compassionate life. In the end, no matter how "humane" the life...there isn't a humane way to kill someone. There are so many alternatives out there, and many more products are coming out all the time. We're not "cavemen" anymore and can thrive on a plant based diet without harming other sentient beings. There are so many plant sources available that you don't need to eat flesh to be healthy. Vote with your dollar, and if you keep it cruelty free...your conscious will pay you back with peace." ~ Amanda Delzeith aka Gem City Vegan

Photo Credit: Amanda Delzeith, The Vegan Sheepdog, Life Veganized, World of Vegan, Anti Eat Meat Club, Vegan Outreach, Carnism Debunked, VegainsMeme, Eden Farmed Animal Sanctuary, Million Dollar Vegan, Vengeful Vegan, Poore & Nemeck, and...

A FAMILY FUNDAY ... Young's Jersey Dairy is uplifting! The 40 Jersey cows will be utterly grateful you stopped in the Barn Viewing Area. They eat st 3:30p and milking is at 4:30p. Each cow knows which stall is hers!

But, wait! Order a nice lunch for less than $8.00. A combo of Turkey Swiss & Bacon, plus those Fair Fries - soft or crispy...and a medium drink! Linda selected the Chicken Salad sandwich. Just, choose a table foras long as you want! Your order is prepared by the friendly Staff. When ready, your Pager does a dance!

Placing our order is JOY. She is so very helpful in assisting - and did i say PATIENT? Yes, indeed. Joy has been on Staff over 20 years. Please leave Joy a generous tip for being "in the know - all things food!"

Then, take the "uber" tractor for a trip around the Southern Side of the Farm. I hope you get to meet Pam, our Operator. Please consider a $5 or $6 tip for her safe driving and congeniality.

Now, it's time to pet the Does and Goats. They are so much fun to watch. I interviewed two of them with a couple short questions ...

Sit on one of the green tractors and have your picture taken; a sure way to have a canvas print.

It's almost time for a milkshake or ice cream in a cone or a cup. You will not find ice cream this delicious. (I pardoned myself from being Type II diabetic) They have manly Shakes will names starting with "Bull". The one flavor i selected was a heaping cup of "COW PADDY" lol...Chocolate everything; including chocolate chips and perhaps even cookie dough. Wonerful, wonerfull

I hear if you play miniature golf, there exists a discount on a Sundae with a buckeye sitting on top.

The Corn Maize is probably "amazing". I didn't want to be the one to holler "help: I'm lost!"

There is even a movie theater inside the Ranch House.

More is COMING NEXT YEAR!

So, git on out there, Buckaroo! Do it for the Pumpkins.

And, all 6,000 Christmas Trees (love the Blue Spruce) will be awaiting - fresh; never cut until you pick the one you like. Growing 2 feet per year, they have been grooming your visit for 3 or 4 years.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Keith Carey Psalm...

Great place to take families. But truth be told, I am only giving 4 stars out of 5 because the reality is that this is not so much a working dairy operation as it is a mini-amusement park. If that's what you are after, then 5 stars for sure. But I was hoping for more animals and a more old-fashioned working farm experience. So if that's you, then you will likely agree with this review.

The food was excellent, and we wisely decided to order online and pick up upon arrival. Unless you do not have young kids with you, I would suggest you do the same as the lines are very long for the food. The prices are a little high but then again isn't everything these days. They did forget one small item in our order which meant waiting in line again, However the problem was rectified quickly and efficiently without any problems, which was a plus.

I strongly recommend the butterscotch malt shake, and the lemon flavored ice cream. For sandwiches you can't go wrong with their Reubens and cheese curds.

I was disappointed to see a lot of workers not really enjoying their jobs. While watching the carousel and dancing with the kids to the "When the Saints go marching in" tune (good choice!) The ride operator didn't seem to be very happy. A happy operator could have made this a much more memorable experience for those who choose to ride. Another children's attraction had an attendant who, frankly, belongs at a grocery store self checkout instead of a children's activity if he is going to be playing on his phone while paying customers are utilizing his attraction.

I'm not a reviewer who generally gives negative reviews, and I probably do have a different perspective and interest level than most attraction seekers. However, for my family, I would only go back here for the food, and only if ordering online.

My other suggestion to the owners, would be to install benches inside along the windows for those who want to sit and watch ice cream being made. That way when families come, one of them can sit with the kids while the other is...