If you’ve lived in Arizona for any period of time, you’ll recognize the company name Shamrock Farms. Their products are prominent in our dairy cases, school cafeterias, hospitals, and in food service in general. What you might not know is that Shamrock Farms is headquartered right here in Arizona. It’s a family-owned company, so you won’t see it on NASDAQ and you won’t see their profit and loss statement, but you’ll see plenty of cows—about 10,000 of them—at the dairy farm in Stanfield, Arizona. Shamrock Farms is the largest family-owned and operated dairy in the Southwest, operating on approximately 240 acres.

The Shamrock Farms logo features a cartoon image of Roxie, the official “spokescow” for Shamrock Farms. Roxie confided that despite all the photos depicting the McClelland family history on the walls, she really runs the place.

About the Dairy Farm

Founded in 1922, the company was initially known as Shamrock Dairy. The dairy began in Tucson with just 20 cows and a Model T delivery truck. The processing plant for the dairy products is located in Phoenix. In 2003, Shamrock moved the farm to Stanfield, Arizona, located in Pinal County, west of Casa Grande. Students from Stanfield Elementary School were the first to take an official school tour of the farm.

The property in Stanfield purchased by Shamrock Farms is larger than 240 acres and will be utilized for future growth.

Basics of the Tour

The Welcome Center Barn is where tour groups assemble. The group meets the tour guide, who provides an overview of the tour and basic ground rules. You’ll embark on an open-air tram for an adventure lasting about one hour. You’ll see where Roxie and her friends live, with modern cooling systems, the milking barn, and the calf nursery. Other highlights include Roxie’s Outdoor Adventure and Think Your Drink zone for comparing the nutritional value of milk versus other beverages.

During the tour, a special sign shows a picture of Roxie with a number representing how many calves were born that day, and some lucky participants may even witness a birth.

Feed the Babies

One of the most popular tour segments allows participants to make contact with calves. These young cows welcome a scratch behind the ears and some food provided by the tour leader.

Shamrock Farms exclusively raises its own cows, with all the girls having been born and raised on the farm.

Who Should Take the Dairy Farm Tour

The Shamrock Farms tour is suitable for all ages and is not especially strenuous. The ability to step in and out of the tram and manage a flight of stairs (with a handrail) will be the only requirements, but an elevator is available for those who can’t use the stairs.

The facility’s cleanliness is remarkable. Despite housing 10,000 cows, visitors will find no overwhelming odor. Inquire about this during the tour.

Having taken the tour, we believe that the individuals who will benefit the most are those aged 8 and up. While younger children will find enjoyment, as there is a ten-minute stop at a fun playground, the tour primarily focuses on education rather than play.

Back at the Barn

The Barn serves not only as the meeting place for the tour but also as an educational space where visitors can learn about the history of Shamrock Foods and their products. Engaging exhibits include photos, games, and more. At the conclusion of the guided tour, guests will receive a tasty treat, and Shamrock Foods ice cream is available for purchase. A gift shop featuring Roxie-themed souvenirs is also on-site.

Ice cream and souvenirs are offered at reasonable prices. Additionally, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch and use the indoor picnic area.

Directions to Shamrock Farms

For those living in Chandler, Ahwatukee, and other locations near I-10 south of Phoenix, it will take approximately an hour to reach the farm in Stanfield. If you’re coming from Surprise and Fountain Hills, consider it a day trip!

To reach the farm, take I-10 to the Queen Creek Rd. exit. Turn right onto Maricopa Road (Route 347) and continue south for 15.5 miles. If you are coming from south of Queen Creek Road, you can take Riggs Road out to Maricopa Road, Route 347, and then make a left.

In Maricopa, turn left onto Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway. You’ll see a blue Napa Auto Parts store on your left; if you go over the railroad tracks, you’ve passed your turn. Should you arrive at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, you’ve gone too far! Continue east on the Maricopa/Casa Grande Highway for 3.5 miles, turn right onto White & Parker Road (look for the “Pinal Feeding Co.” sign), cross over the railroad tracks, and carry on south for about 9 miles. Finally, turn right onto Clayton Road at the Shamrock Farms entrance sign.

Whatever estimate you have for your travel time, add at least another 15 minutes. Don’t miss your tour, and there’s plenty to read and learn while waiting. We estimate that from I-10 and Queen Creek Rd., it takes about 45 minutes.

Hours, Admission, Location

Here are the administrative details you’ll need to visit Shamrock Farms.

Hours

Tours are available to the general public from early October through mid-May on the following schedule, usually taking reservations in September.

Tour Days and Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
School field trips are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Admission

The charge for a Farm Tour was $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors (60+) and military, and $6 for children 12 and under, with children under two (who must sit on the lap) admitted for free. Special events may have different pricing. Inquire about group rates or special tours for your group.

More Information About Shamrock Farms Tours

If you have further questions or wish to verify tour times and prices, visit the website or call 602-477-2462. Tours tend to be quite busy and are of limited size. Checking online for special events and deals is advised.

_{All dates, times, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.}