As a late December blizzard whipped through the Cedar Valley, dumping snow amid high winds and brutal temperatures, our cows weathered the storm snuggled safely in the barn.

During the cold snap, a few calves were born. In fact, on the coldest day of the year and under the watchful eyes of Herd Manager Blake Hansen, mom Bryar calved a little girl, whom we aptly named Brrrr.

The entire herd was kept in the barn for several days until safe temperatures returned and the winds diminished. They were eager to get back outside, where they enjoy socializing in the lots. As Blake opened the gates, his daughter Reese captured this image of a cow emerging from the barn to witness a fresh blanket of snow and a beautiful Iowa winter sunrise.

It's the new year! Resolve to be bold! Our January Treat of the Month can help!

The Peppermint Crunch Sundae features scoops of Candy Cane and Chocolate ice creams, topped with whipped cream

and a chocolate waffle wedge dipped in crushed candy canes.

This frosty treat is available at both stores all month long for just $3.99.

It's cold outside, so why not warm your insides with our January Pizza of the Month?

Our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza starts with a fresh crust slathered with homemade ranch dressing. Grilled chicken, bacon bits and a mountain of gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses complete this irresistible pie.

Educators wanting to incorporate agriculture in their lesson plans can apply for a grant to help in that endeavor.

Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants are designed to initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy in Iowa. Grants can be used to fund innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips and other projects.

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation in partnership with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is offering grants up to $250 to support the integration of agriculture into regular classroom instruction or after-school programs with an academic focus.

Apply at iowaagliteracy.org. Deadline to apply is Jan. 9, and projects must be completed by June 4, 2023.

Escape winter’s chill with a cup of Hansen’s hot chocolate and a warm place to enjoy it!

We mix Hansen’s Dairy chocolate milk with these indulgent flavors: Original, Salted Caramel, Mint, Mocha, or Double Chocolate, then top it with Hansen’s whipped cream. Only $1.39 per 12 oz cup.

Grab some friends and a cup of comfort. Then cozy up next to the fireplace at our Cedar Falls store, or enjoy the large seating area at our Waterloo store.

Stop in and warm up with us!

Did you know Hansen's Dairy creates custom ice cream cakes great for any occasion?

Our custom cakes come in 6-inch (serves 4-5) and 10-inch (serves 13-15) sizes and are perfect for any celebration — birthdays, wedding and baby showers, workplace parties, graduations and family reunions.

Choose chocolate or white cake, chocolate or white icing, your favorite flavor of Hansen's ice cream, and how you want it decorated. Or if it's last minute, you can pick up a premade cake right off the shelf at our Cedar Falls or Waterloo store.

Call the Waterloo store at (319) 234-3309 for more information and to order.

Our very first holiday event, A Very Dairy Christmas, was a sold-out sensation.

In mid-December, families from all over the state enjoyed a holiday-themed charcuterie spread, a visit with Santa, Christmas crafts and the chance to spend time with a calf and our youngest kangaroo, Roobarb.

We're grateful for everyone who attended and look forward to next year's event. See more photos from the event on our Facebook post.

It's January and there's snow on the ground. What better time is there to feature Sled as our Cow of the Month?

It takes five years for a cow to reach full productive maturity. Sled, born Nov. 26, 2020, is a solid young cow who's on the uphill climb and not over the hill yet. She gave birth to her first calf on Nov. 21, 2022, a little girl we named Scrooge. Sled is sure to pick up speed and slide through her first lactation with ease!