Dairy Farmers of America

Dairy farms don’t look like they did 100 years ago, but the heart of what we do hasn’t changed. Our farmer-owners continue to carry on a legacy of innovation while embracing technology to build a more sustainable future for agriculture. Emma Andrew-Swarthout, of El-VI Farms LLC in New York, recently highlighted a few of the technologies and advancements they use to care for cows and steward the environment: ?? Milking machines – Cows can choose when to be milked, improving efficiency and comfort ??? VAS DairyComp software – Think of it like a fitness tracker for cows, monitoring everything from birth records to daily milk production ?? Automated curtains – Just like smart blinds, these adjust to weather conditions to keep cows comfortable year-round ?? Covered manure storage – Helps manage waste while reducing environmental impact ?? Methane digester – Turns manure and food scraps into renewable energy, lowering emissions and creating sustainability benefits. ?? GPS-equipped tractors – Just like GPS in a car, these help plant, spray and harvest with precision, reducing waste and improving efficiency “A lot has changed, but our commitment to caring for our cows and land remains the same,” Emma says. What surprised you most about modern dairy farming? Let us know in the comments!

Dairy farming is a family commitment built on lessons passed down through generations. On farms across the country, parents, grandparents and mentors shape the next generation – teaching the values of hard work, care for animals and dedication to their communities. "Working with family makes what you do worthwhile as you teach kids responsibility and the importance of life," John DeVos, a DFA farmer-owner at Fox Dairy, says. This #NationalSonsDay, we celebrate the sons stepping up and those who take the time to share their knowledge, instill a strong work ethic and lead by example. Whether it’s early mornings in the barn, long days in the field or the countless moments in between, their guidance builds the future of dairy. To those who have passed down the traditions of #FamilyFarming and the dedication of dairy – thank you. Your wisdom and commitment leave a lasting legacy for the generations to come. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve shared or received through dairy farming?

We’re #DFAProud of Harold Howrigan, a sixth-generation farmer-owner and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) board member, for championing key agricultural issues at last week’s Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee hearing. Harold, and 10 other farmers from diverse sectors, spoke on critical topics such as the new five-year farm bill, labor relations, the ongoing need to monitor the H5N1 bird flu strain, important considerations regarding nutrition and labeling and more. He also called for the passage of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, led by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. The bill has passed the House Education and the Workforce Committee but is still awaiting action in the Senate. We’re grateful for NMPF’s ongoing advocacy for policies that advance the well-being of farmer-owners and dairy cooperatives nationwide. You can read Harold’s full testimony here >> https://bit.ly/4i0pI39.

When calves get the zoomies, you just know they’re living their best life! ??♂??? Who else can relate to this #FridayFeeling? That Friday burst of energy hits differently — just like these little ones, racing around with space to run, soft bedding and farmer-owners making sure they’re warm, cozy and well cared for (tiny jackets included!). Big thanks to Charles Krause, a fifth-generation farmer-owner in Buffalo, Minn., for sharing this joyful moment. At Krause Holsteins, happy, healthy calves are always the priority — and it shows in every playful hop. Seen any zoomies lately? Whether it’s calves, pets or kids, drop your stories below!

It’s #NationalProteinDay, and you’re craving a snack to power you through the day. Treating yourself to the complete protein found in dairy — like a cup of Greek yogurt or a delicious glass of chocolate milk — is the easiest and tastiest way to fuel your body. Milk and dairy products contain all essential amino acids needed to form a complete protein. Your body can’t make those amino acids by itself, so it needs help. The high-quality protein in dairy is like a one-two wellness punch — it’s absorbed quickly but also released slowly for a protein hit that lasts all day. Protein from plants, on the other hand, is made from — you guessed it — plants. Which means it lacks at least one of the essential amino acids needed to form a complete protein, leaving your body hungry for more! From bone and muscle health to weight management and immune support, the highly digestible protein from dairy can help your body function at its best. And, if a glass of white milk doesn’t hit the spot for you, there are plenty of delicious ways to get all the benefits of dairy’s complete protein. ?? 1 cup of Greek yogurt = 20 grams of protein ?? 1 string cheese = 7 grams of protein ?? 1 cup of milk (chocolate or white) = 8 grams of protein ?? 1 scoop of whey protein = 20-25 grams of protein, depending on brand ?? ? cup of cottage cheese = 14 grams of protein ?Enjoy dairy however you like it — knowing you’re getting wholesome nutrition no matter what.

For the Seiler family, dairy runs in their blood. Their story began more than 50 years ago with their grandfather, a milkman who dedicated his life to delivering fresh dairy. “Our grandfather was a milkman who moved here with my grandmother and my father and began working as a tractor-trailer driver and transport supervisor at our DFA-owned T.G. Lee? plant in Orlando, Fla., in 1967,” says Chris Seiler. Today, Chris and his brothers, Bobby and Sammy, are third-generation haulers and drivers at T.G. Lee, continuing the legacy their family started. Their father joined the company in 1972, took a brief break to serve in the Army and start a family, then returned for a 33-year career focused on ice cream distribution. “We attended T.G. Lee picnics as kids. My dad would bring the ice cream truck, and we were in charge of handing out ice cream,” Chris recalls. After college, Chris was looking for stability and saw the opportunities his family had built within DFA. “My grandfather and my dad were able to raise a family while working at T.G. Lee. It offered the stability and family atmosphere I needed for the future. I knew this place would give me an opportunity to grow if I worked hard enough.” Chris started his career in case stock and blow mold before moving to logistics as a route sales representative. In late 2024, he was promoted to general manager of T.G. Lee. Bobby, who joined in 2005, is a plant production manager, and Sammy, who joined in 2009, is a fleet maintenance coordinator. “Farms are generational. It makes sense that we are generational, too,” he says. “I think dairy farmers find it comforting to see our families working hard to keep milk moving, and I find it comforting, too, to be part of a team that feels like family. As a legacy employee, I don’t want to mess up our family name, which makes me work even harder.”

#DYK: Ditching all the dairy cows in the United States would only cut agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by about 0.7%. But what would we lose? The essential nutrition of dairy in all its delicious forms — from milk to cheese to butter and everything in between. Sure, all foods have some environmental impact, according to research by Virginia Tech that uncovered the truth about dairy cows’ impact on the environment, but dairy’s is minimal thanks to dairy farmers’ ongoing sustainability efforts. Imagine a world without dairy cows: no milk mustaches, a noticeable lack of black-and-white spots (and all the other dairy breeds!) and a significant gap in our nutrition. That's not a future we're excited about. Cheers to continuing to enjoy sustainably made dairy and all its nutritional benefits in 2025 and beyond!

Ready to scale your ag-tech startup? The 2025 DFA CoLAB Accelerator is here to help. Gain expert mentorship, industry connections and tailored resources to refine your business and drive real impact. ?? Apply by April 1 >> https://bit.ly/4gjpSRI Running from May to October, this program connects you with DFA experts, educational sessions and top leaders in dairy and ag-tech. Whether you're innovating in sustainability, automation, animal health or beyond, we’re excited to support bold ideas shaping the future. Know someone who should apply? Share this opportunity and help them take the leap!

Through every shift in the forecast — rain, snow or shine — our farmer-owners, haulers and employees keep the dairy industry moving. We're #DFAProud of the role each of you plays. Thank you! Your dedication never wavers, no matter the road conditions, the howling wind or the bitter cold. Because of your hard work, families across the country and around the world can count on high-quality, nutritious dairy products every day. We’re grateful for your commitment to dairy and all that you do!

It’s #NationalCaliforniaDay and we’re #DFAProud to celebrate Alta Dena Dairy — a California original and a DFA farmer-owned brand rooted in City of Industry, Calif. What started in 1945 with just 61 cows, a delivery wagon and a vision for fresh, high-quality milk has grown into a beloved household name. Nearly 80 years later, Alta Dena remains committed to the same values of quality and trust. But it’s not just history that makes Alta Dena special — it’s the people behind it. Across two DFA-owned plants in City of Industry, nearly 600 dedicated employees work together to produce fluid milk, cream and buttermilk. With an average tenure of 18 years — and many employees surpassing 30—their dedication and expertise set Alta Dena apart. Alta Dena is just one brand home to our farmer-owners' milk. More than 180 DFA family-owned farms across the state collectively produce over 845 million gallons of milk each year. Their hard work, paired with the passion of more than 1,100 DFA employees across 13 locations statewide, fuels the dairy tradition that makes California proud. Today, we honor the farmers, employees and loyal customers who keep this legacy alive. Here’s to the Golden State and the golden standard of dairy excellence. Learn more about Alta Dena or find a DFA farmer-owned brand near you >> https://bit.ly/4fvXeML.