Dairy Farmers of America

#ICYMI: FDA has green-lit a new qualified health claim: Eating three servings of dairy-based yogurt a week may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to limited scientific evidence. It’s an important reminder of the role foods, specifically dairy, play in supporting healthy minds and bodies. Learn more about how yogurt can fit into a healthy lifestyle and these new qualified claims in his recent article from Verywell. What is your favorite flavor of yogurt?

Happy Mother’s Day! Today, we honor the incredible women who lead, nurture and inspire us every day. Mothers play a pivotal role, imparting strength and wisdom that uplifts families and communities. Their unwavering dedication ensures a legacy of care and quality that extends far beyond our homes. Enjoy some favorite moments from moms submitted by farmer-owners across our Cooperative. Feel free to share your special snapshots and stories of Mom in the comments!

#FunFact: Cows only have bottom front teeth. That's right, no top-front chompers! Dairy cows use their bottom teeth against a hard pad on the tops of their mouths and powerful tongues to grab and chew their food before turning it into delicious, nutritious high-quality milk. 📸 via @dairygirlpromo on Instagram

This #NationalSmallBusinessDay, consider this: 95% of U.S. farms are family-owned and operated, often by multiple generations. When you #AddAnOunce of dairy from brands backed by our more than 10,000 DFA family farm-owners, you’re not just enjoying sustainably made dairy—you’re supporting their small businesses and nurturing a legacy for generations to come. Reflecting on his decade-long journey, first-generation DFA farmer-owner Paul Windemuller shared, "10 years ago this month I became a dairy farmer and a farmer-owner of Dairy Farmers of America. We started with 30 cows and hardly any money, but my dream since childhood was to be a farmer. Building our farm from the ground up, turning an old worn-out farm into a home where we raise our 6 children, has been the most rewarding part of this journey." So, celebrate a small business today and find a local DFA dairy brand near you >> https://bit.ly/3hnuVEB.

We’re #DFAProud that Karen Jordan, DVM, a DFA farmer-owner from N.C., recently received the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s Meritorious Service Award. It’s the longest-standing award within the organization and is presented to leaders within animal agriculture who have invested their careers in advancing the animal agriculture sector. Dr. Jordan has been a veterinarian by trade for 35 years, she primarily focuses on dairy herd health, as well as being a dairy farmer herself, along with her husband, Norman. In addition to dairying, Karen is active in agriculture beyond the farm as a member of our Southeast Area Council, a board member for the NIAA and National Milk Producers Federation as well as chairwoman of the National Dairy FARM Program’s animal care task force. “Karen’s impact on the dairy industry has been profound,” says Jackie Klippenstein, senior vice president and chief government and industry relations officer at DFA. “Her dedicated engagement and continued guidance have been instrumental in shaping policies and procedures that enhance herd health, bolster biosecurity and foster greater consumer confidence in the industry.” Join us in congratulating Dr. Jordan on this outstanding and well-deserved accomplishment!

80% of a cow's diet is food that isn't consumable by humans. Instead of that food ending up in a landfill, farmer-owners like the Spadgenskes, are upcycling rejected potatoes into feed for their herds. It’s just one of the many ways our farmer-owners do their part to ensure that dairy is good for you and the planet! Join #JoinDFAInAction and learn more about small steps you can take to significantly reduce your food waste >> https://bit.ly/44h7Db1.

As a 100% farmer-owned cooperative, DFA offers farm services to support our dairy farmers, so they can continue to farm for years to come. Recently, more than 100 employees that make up our farm services team along with partners from across the Cooperative gathered in Savannah, Ga., for their annual week of collaboration, learning and networking — to get even better at what they do. It’s an opportunity to hear from leadership and fellow employees about developments and priorities across the #Cooperative. New employees get a firsthand look at what it truly means to work for a leading global dairy cooperative and the responsibility that comes with it. “My first farm services conference helped me grow professionally and personally,” says Stefan Freeman, who was recently hired as director of sales for DFA Farm Supplies, one of the standalone businesses that makes up DFA’s farm services. “I loved collaborating with my colleagues and was inspired by the important role our entire team plays in supporting our farmer-owners.” President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Rodenbaugh spoke at the event and detailed the importance of fostering a culture of care for our farmer-owners and maintaining relevant services that add value to their everyday experience. While attendees were able to hear from several knowledgeable and inspiring speakers, one of the most exciting parts of the week, according to Stefan, was “the ice cream offered at every break!”

Even with endless beverage options to enjoy on #NationalBeverageDay, the choice is clear: real milk! While you could hop on the trend and shell out for the latest dairy alternative, filled with added sugar, emulsifiers and preservatives, why bother when you can get wholesome nutrition (with far fewer ingredients) that tastes great, helps the planet and does the body good? Help yourself to a glass or two of the original delicious beverage — real milk — today (and every day!) What kind of milk do you drink at your house: Whole, 2%, 1% or skim?

At DFA, we think the mundane can, and is, magical! Some of the greatest life lessons are simply learned through togetherness. We’re #DFAProud of how our farmer-owners are modeling our values of integrity, passion, quality and community for the next-generation. We'd love to see your magical and mundane moments, too! Share your #FeelGoodFriday pictures in the comments and let's spread some positivity together.

It’s #MayThe4th and Josh Snider, of Snider's Dairy in North Carolina, is guiding us to a galaxy not so far away! He followed the force to some Star Wars™ TruMoo® Blue Milk, an out-of-this-world 1% real milk with a hint of vanilla that has been a cult classic amongst Star Wars fans since it debuted in 1977. We're #DFAProud to have brought this long-awaited desire to Earth through one of our farmer-owned brands! Don't miss your chance to snag a sip of what the galaxy is talking about by visiting starwarsmilk.com.