Dairy Farmers of America

34 incredible DFA team members recently hit the ground running (literally!) alongside nearly 7,200 other participants at the Every Woman's Marathon in Savannah, Ga., hosted by MilkPEP. Our runners and walkers, representing 15 states and a range of roles across the Cooperative, embodied DFA's commitment to health, wellness and community. The weekend was filled with energy and connection, including a pre-race dinner where DFA’s chief marketing officer, Rachel Kyllo, reflected on her marathon debut: “The amazing community of women supporting each other to tackle this challenge was powerful. The positive energy throughout the weekend was unforgettable.” DFA also brought the spirit to mile 8 with a branded cheer station, where members of EmpowHER, our women’s employee resource group, cheered on runners with cowbells and signs. Emma Andrew-Swarthout, a DFA farmer-owner from N.Y., says “I’ll never stop thinking about this amazing event! It was amazing to share this space and experience with women from all walks of life toeing the line to share a singular experience of running a marathon." Congratulations to all our runners for pushing their limits and proving how dairy fuels greatness! We’re #DFAProud of each of you!

Are you a college student chasing your dreams or do you know someone furthering their education? DFA Cares Scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open! Don’t miss the deadline—Jan. 10, 2025. We’re seeking students passionate about agriculture, engineering, veterinary science, food science and other fields that drive the dairy industry forward. This year, DFA awarded scholarships to 64 recipients totaling $83,000 in support for their education. Be part of this legacy of future leaders making an impact! Don’t wait—apply today >> https://bit.ly/3Z4SsQh.

We’re #DFAProud to have donated and distributed over 400 gallons of milk yesterday at Giving Hope KC, a local food pantry serving families in the Kansas City, Kan. metro. This effort was made possible alongside our incredible partners at Hiland Dairy Foods, Thrivent, Ally Financial Group, Victory Ford, Victory Dodge/Chrysler, JReid InDeed and Mr. D's Donuts. This great turnout in sponsorship complimented the Thanksgiving meals provided by Kansas City Chiefs players Justin Reid and Trey Smith in association with The Kansas City Chiefs. The players, along with KC Wolf, handed out gallons of milk and stopped for pictures with fans. Milk is one of the most requested, yet least donated items at food banks, making contributions like this critical to supporting families in our communities. You can make a difference, too. Join #DFAInAction and help ensure communities have access to nutritious dairy products >> https://bit.ly/3cBgSYW.

The demand for U.S. dairy continues to grow and #WeAreHiring! You don’t need a background in agriculture to join our dedicated team working passionately to bring value to our farmer-owners. It takes many roles to deliver wholesome dairy products across the country and globally in various forms, flavors and functions. We have open roles like: ?? Ag health insurance agent – Kansas City, Kan. ?? Summer 2025 engineering/maintenance intern – Le Mars, Iowa ?? Production supervisor – Richmond, Ind. See all our current #JobOpportunities >> https://bit.ly/2YXi1oL.

Dennis Rodenbaugh, our president and chief executive officer, was recently honored by his alma mater, Washburn University, as the 2024 School of Business Alumni Fellow. Reflecting on this recognition, Dennis shared, “Washburn holds a special place in my heart — it’s where I deepened my understanding of the intended and unintended impacts of economic policies, explored business management theories and developed foundational skills in financial analysis. It’s where I grew as a leader through roles as a student senator and president of the student government and built lifelong friendships in other organizations, including Alpha Delta fraternity. Most importantly, it’s where I met my wife, Cindy." Accepting this award last week was especially meaningful for Dennis, as he was joined by his wife, Cindy, daughters Jenna and Jaden, his sister Debra Rodenbaugh Schaub, his brother Darrell Rodenbaugh and Alex and Kim Bachelor. Alex, a fellow Washburn alumnus and our executive vice president and chief administrative officer, was recognized during the event by Dennis not just as an executive leader of DFA, but as a trusted friend he deeply respects. Together, Dennis and Alex continue their shared commitment to investing in DFA’s people and delivering value for farmer-owners.

It’s #NationalEntrepreneurDay and we’re celebrating DFA farmer-owners like Stacy Rethman, who prove that dairy farming is more than just milking cows—it’s innovation, sustainability and small business pride. Stacy shared on her Instagram page yesterday: “It’s #NationalEntrepreneurDay tomorrow, and I’m always surprised how often dairy farmers are overlooked as entrepreneurs. My great-grandparents started Rottinghaus Holstein Farm in 1933 with only 5 cows, and through the years, we’ve continued to innovate, evolve, and grow our business. Often that means supporting other local entrepreneurs in our community, too! One example that I think is pretty cool? We partner with local cabinet maker Koch Cabinets to give their leftover sawdust a second life as bedding for our cows! A semi delivers fresh sawdust weekly, and we change their bedding one to two times a week (yes, more often than most of us change our bed sheets! ??). And when the bedding gets dirty, we don’t toss it out. Instead, we spread it on our fields as a natural fertilizer for next season’s crops. As a fourth-generation dairy farm, we’re #DFAProud to be a small business and support other local entrepreneurs in our community. ??” From repurposing sawdust as bedding and natural fertilizer to championing other local businesses, Stacy’s entrepreneurial spirit shines bright. This is the heart of dairy farming—creativity, community, and a commitment to sustainability!

Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in Goodhue, Minnesota, Kelly Scharpen learned the value of hard work and the rhythm of farm life early on. Today she applies that knowledge as a milk receiver at DFA’s plant in Zumbrota, Minnesota. Just like she did on the farm, she wakes up long before sunrise. Arriving at the plant by 5 a.m., she quickly gets to work preparing to receive milk — calibrating thermometers, hooking up lines and washing silos. Kelly's agricultural background means she understands the entire process — from farm to plant — making her adept at identifying and addressing any issues that arise. A key aspect of her work is ensuring the milk received meets DFA’s high-quality standards. She carefully checks the temperature and acidity of the milk, knowing even slight variations can impact the final product. Her firsthand understanding of farm life makes her uniquely skilled at tackling challenges. “Because I grew up with that, I know what farmers are talking about and what to look for,” she explains. Even as agriculture evolves, Kelly remains optimistic. Her three sons have inherited her passion for farming, with two showing a strong interest in carrying on the family tradition. For Kelly, the connection between farm and community has always been clear. "Without a farmer, this world would be lost," she says. Join us in thanking Kelly and all those who ensure we can enjoy safe, high-quality nutritious dairy products!

?? Every day is a chance to make a difference! For Spadgenske Dairy, recycling isn’t a trend—it’s a commitment to making dairy farming even more sustainable. This #AmericaRecyclesDay, Kate Spadgenske shares how she and her family make recycling a key part of their farm’s daily routine. Through the Minnesota Ag Plastic Recycling Program, they recycle everything from silage covers and bale film to oxygen barriers and ag bags, helping keep their farm and community cleaner and greener. How do you recycle at home or on the farm? Remember, start with your milk jugs—rinse, cap, and recycle!

Just in time for #NationalButterDay on Sunday, have you ever wondered how butter is made? Tag along as DFA farmer-owner Jamie Brown of Brown’s Dairy gets all churned up watching the process of making butter at one of our manufacturing plants. Whether it’s in sticks, blocks or tubs, butter from a DFA farmer-owned brand like Plugrà? Premium Butter, Borden?, Cache Valley? Creamery and Breakstone’s?, is rich, smooth and made with fresh cream from our family-owned dairy farms — like Jamie’s. And, if you’ve ever wondered what happens to the buttermilk after butter is made, we’ll let you in on a secret: It doesn’t go to waste. At DFA, we dry the buttermilk and sell it as powder!

Tomorrow is #WorldDiabetesDay. Did you know enjoying yogurt regularly can be a delicious way to support your health? The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the claim that eating at least 2 cups (3 servings) of yogurt per week may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes according to limited scientific evidence. Whether you're at home, work or school, yogurt makes a delicious addition to a balanced breakfast or on-the-go snack. Pair it with another protein option like eggs or avocado to help keep blood sugar levels in check. To control the sugar content, choose plain varieties and add your own mix-ins to give it extra flavor. Some ways to enjoy yogurt include: ?? Topping it with fresh fruit or unsweetened granola ?? Adding it to low-sugar smoothies for extra protein ?? Sprinkling it with chia seeds or ground flaxseed for healthy fats ?? Using it as a base for savory dips and salad dressings At DFA, our farmer-owners are proud to make nutritious dairy that supports the well-being of everyone who enjoys it. So, let's raise a spoonful of yogurt to all the dairy farmers who make it possible! What’s your favorite way to eat yogurt?