Photos: Carnation, WA - home of the World's Champion Milk Cow statue | Seattle Refined

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Way back in 1908, local farmer Elbridge Amos "E.A." Stuart realized the need for more cows to increase milk production at his Pacific Coast condensed milk company, Carnation Farms. He soon embarked on a strict breeding program that would lead to a serendipitous, award-winning dairy cow and popular roadside attraction. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Tucked away in the lush hills of Snoqualmie Valley, E.A. purchased just under 400 acres of farmland knowing it would soon become connected to the railroad. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Looking to grow dairy production at Carnation Farms, E.A. set out to increase his herd numbers by creating a super selective breeding program of Holstein cattle. Biology aside, he also outlined one main goal for working with cattle: ensure each cow is happy. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

According to the Carnation Farms website, as E.A. grew his cattle numbers, he defined very specific rules for his farmhands to follow while working with his dairy cows. Follow patience, kindness and remember to "treat each cow as a mother should be treated." (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

E.A. followed his own rules and his gut and started pairing the best workers with the best milk cows. Cue Segis Pietertje Prospect, lovingly known as "Possum Sweetheart" by her personal milker, Carl Gockerell. This healthy Holstein would go on to make milk history. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

In 1920, the dairy cow and milker pair resulted in a record-breaking 37,000 pounds of milk produced. Milked six times a day for a whole year, Possum Sweetheart’s impressive milk production status made her a farmland celebrity. Her name was printed in newspapers worldwide. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

At the age of 12, Possum Sweetheart traveled on to greener pastures leaving the farmers and her milker to grieve her passing. And in 1928, the world’s first ever known statue of a Holstein cow was constructed in honor of Segis Pietertje Prospect. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

A plaque on her statue calls her "The Foster Mother of the Human Race," and rewards Possum Sweetheart as a twice registered, record-breaking dairy cow among all other cattle of any age. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

But Possum Sweetheart wasn't the only award-winning dairy cow on the farm. For decades after, Carnation Farms’ herds set the standard for breeding stock worldwide and eventually transitioned as a milk production farm to full time genetics research and stewardship farm. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

In 1985, Carnation Farms was purchased by Nestle and operated until 2008. Today, Carnation Farms is a non-profit with a singular mission: to educate the community and farmers-in-training in organic, sustainable farming. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

Guests can visit the roadside Carnation Farmstand for a taste of seasonal, fresh produce and a bit of history about the farm. They also offer behind-the-scenes tours, kids camps, cooking classes and field trips. (Rachael Jones / Seattle Refined)

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