Chassidy and Eric Klein with their children in the heifer barn where the Moo’s and Boo’s event is held.

For many farmers, working with family is one of the best parts of the job. Eric and Chassidy Klein, the third generation at Klein’s Cow Palace near Lake City, MN, would agree with that. They are taking pride in raising the fourth generation, and finding a way to share the farm life experience with others.

“I think raising our kids on the farm is a great way to bring them up. I was raised on a farm and Eric too,” Chassidy said.

Recognizing the special moments dairy farming offers, Chassidy felt a desire to show others what her family gets to experience on the farm. That urge led to the creation of the Moo’s and Boo’s on-farm event, which is held every October at their dairy.

The idea came about during COVID-19 when in-person opportunities were limited. With the lack of on-farm events happening, the Klein’s wanted to plan something that would bring people back out to the farm.

The barrel train ride takes visitors for a ride around the farm yard.

In the fall of 2023, after the construction of their new heifer barn, the Klein’s hosted their first annual, Moo’s and Boo’s Halloween Fun at the Farm event. Community members are invited to visit Klein’s Cow Palace, with a focus on hands-on activities for kids. Sensory tables with sand and corn, photo stations with calves in their Halloween costumes, and barrel train rides were offered to visitors.

“Although they’re playing with [sand and corn] here, they can also see how that ties to farming,” said Chassidy. “For the kids, it’s just sensory fun play, but [for them] to realize that it’s involved with agriculture and how it all connects is kind of neat.”

Chassidy loves getting creative and coming up with different ideas for the kids to take part in. Her innovative ideas, paired with her husband’s support, have worked well together. Over the years she has built several permanent structures, including a tractor play set, ice cream truck and swings in their calf barn. The intent is to have a unique, everyday play piece, but with a creative twist that ties back to agriculture.

“We wanted to bring those things we already have, or make them a little bit bigger for a group setting, and allow them to do it at our farm,” Chassidy said. “[Hopefully], they can say, ‘I’ve been to a farm,’ or ‘I know a farmer.’ That’s the best part.”

A large calf hut houses farm scene toys during the event for kids to play with.

While there is a lot of preparation for the annual event, Eric and Chassidy say seeing attendees show up in their costumes and creating memories brings her joy and a drive to do it again. She says that farmers may take for granted what they get to do every day, but there are many people who don’t get to experience similar traditions. Chassidy values the moments when her children help feed calves or get to ride with their father in the tractor, and she hopes those memories will hold a special place in her kids’ hearts.

“We get to see other kids come out and play at the farm and think these little everyday things are just super fun and we take it for granted on what we’re used to.”

Follow Klein’s Cow Palace on Facebook to see what happens on a day-to-day basis on a dairy farm, and be on the lookout for their next event!