Video games were brought to life at Billings Farm & Museum
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
A recent competition between Nintendo gamers and dairy farmers proved dairy farmers are better at milking real cows and gamers have the upper hand in milking virtual cows.
After hearing about Nintendo’s new game 1-2 Switch, which includes a cow-milking minigame, Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont, challenged Nintendo representatives to spend time on the farm.
To milk a cow in the game, players stroke their controller downwards while pressing buttons. Nintendo’s representatives were quick to find out milking a real cow isn’t so simple.
“It’s way harder to milk a cow in real life,” Tim Kwong, a marketing manager with Nintendo, told Farms.com on Wednesday. “I definitely learned some things about farm life and am very appreciative. (Experiencing) the sights and smells of the farm taught me to appreciate where my food comes from.”
Tim Kwong, left and Alayna Perkins prepare to play a game of Milk on Nintendo's Switch.
Photo: Nintendo of America
The friendly event also reminded the public about farmers’ everyday work and contributions.
“We are the most important industry in America but how many people have a connection to where their food comes from?” said Tom Remp, marketing director at Billings Farm. “How many people respect and understand what we do? I welcome any opportunity to reach out and inject fun into the conversation.
“Agriculture is important, vibrant and interesting.”
Kwong noticed the work ethic on the farm and looks to emulate it back at the office.
“Alayna Perkins (farm manager at Billings) starts her day at 4 a.m. and some days ends it at 11 p.m. She comes to work every day with a smile on her face.
“She loves what she does and, if I can take a portion of that every day, I know I can be a great employee. She inspires me to work harder.”
“But we will be checking their bags for calves before they leave,” Remp joked.