Wantage dairy farm hosts virtual tour for more than 5,000 students

More than 5,000 students visited a Wantage dairy farm virtually Oct. 8, learning about animal care, milk production and sustainable farming practices ahead of National Farmer’s Day on Oct. 12.

American Dairy Association North East partnered with By-Acre Holsteins for the free virtual farm tour, hosted by third-generation dairy farmer Henry Byma. The interactive program took students inside the farm’s cow barn, calf barn and milking parlor.

Byma answered students’ questions in real time and explained how his family cares for its cows, produces milk and incorporates sustainable farming practices.

“As a farmer, it’s important to me to help educate young people and show them where their food comes from,” Byma said. He added that virtual visits help students understand how milk is produced and makes its way from the farm to their homes and schools.

Participating schools also received free lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards, allowing teachers to build on the experience in their classrooms.

Byma was named New Jersey’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 2015. His family’s contributions to agriculture were recognized in 2025 with a Distinguished Service to Agriculture Citation from the state.

By-Acre Holsteins was the second New Jersey dairy farm to host an American Dairy Association North East virtual tour. Spring Run Dairy in Pittstown hosted the first in 2022.

The association has partnered with dairy farmers to bring virtual farm tours into classrooms since 2018. The program has attracted more than 1.5 million views.