Dairy Farmers of America

This #WorldFoodDay, we have a lot of people to thank. High-quality dairy starts with our farmer-owners, but it takes a cooperative of people, just like ours, across the entire supply chain to get milk in your fridge, butter on your table, or the cheese in your all-important cheese drawer. Dairy supports local economies by creating jobs. It creates sustainable nutrition that is accessible and affordable for families. And it fosters connection by bringing people together at the table. Dairy isn’t just food. It’s something that powers communities, nourishes the future, and preserves family legacies. We’re #DFAProud to produce something that builds more than just strong bodies — but it’s really good at doing that, too. Take an extra moment this #WorldFoodDay to appreciate the many dedicated hands that work together to make real dairy possible.

It’s #NationalCheeseCurdDay — and we’re celebrating one of dairy’s freshest, squeakiest traditions. If you’ve ever been to The Creamery in Beaver, Utah, you know there’s nothing quite like a fresh curd. The Creamery is a DFA farmer-owned dairy destination, where milk from local farms is turned into fan favorites — including curds made fresh four days a week right next door at the DFA plant. A few fun curd facts to snack on: 🧀 They squeak for a reason. That sound comes from springy milk proteins rubbing against your teeth — a sure sign they’re fresh from the vat 🧀 They’re cheddar in its earliest form. Before it’s pressed and aged, cheddar starts as curds 🧀 They’re part of a long dairy legacy. The Creamery’s curd story began in 1952, when Beaver dairymen sold cheese out the back door of the plant — and it’s still a community favorite today Last week, The Creamery was named Utah Business of the Year — a proud recognition of more than 70 years of dairy craftsmanship, community connection, and farmer ownership. So, whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, grab a bag and celebrate real dairy done right. Check out the Creamery’s offerings >> https://bit.ly/3Jgc1kx.

We are #DFAProud that our President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Rodenbaugh, joined Gallup and Bentley University last week for a panel discussion titled, “Patriotism or Profits? Good Business in the Age of Consumer Nationalism.” As a cooperative owned by American dairy farmers, we are focused on two objectives: securing a market for our farmer-owners’ milk and delivering high-quality, nutritious dairy products to consumers in the United States and around the world. The conversation explored Gallup’s findings on Americans’ preferences for U.S.-made goods — and what values are important for business leaders, marketers, and policymakers to take into consideration. Dennis shared how our farmer-owned cooperative connects the farmer to the consumer. “Generally, businesses perform to a societal good — they’re creating jobs, providing goods,” says Dennis. “For us, the trust occurs because dairy is local.” For DFA, trust starts on the farm and shows up in every sip, splash, scoop, and shred of dairy we produce. It’s not just business. It’s a commitment to those across the country and around the world that we nourish with high-quality, American-made products every day.

Soaring once again above the Albuquerque skyline, Airabelle — the legendary Creamland Dairy cow balloon — made her grand return to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. For more than 30 years, this 910-pound, 10-story-tall dairy queen has been one of the most beloved sights in New Mexico’s skies, bringing smiles to families and fans who’ve grown up watching her fly. It takes a crew of at least 16 people and just the right conditions to get Airabelle off the ground — but when she lifts, she reminds everyone why she’s the heart of the fiesta. Proudly representing Creamland Dairy, a DFA farmer-owned brand, Airabelle isn’t just a balloon. She’s a floating symbol of community, craftsmanship, and the joy dairy brings to every corner of life.

They don’t do it for the glory. But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve it. Farmers make up only 2% of the population, but they feed 95%. That’s a lot of responsibility and it’s not one they take lightly. On #NationalFarmersDay, we honor our farmer-owners for the generations they’ve nourished, the communities they’ve strengthened, and the land they’ve protected for tomorrow.

Sometimes it feels like you need a degree in nutrition just to determine if your groceries are healthy or not. It’s easy to get caught up in jargon — overwhelmed by flashy marketing and bold claims. But have you noticed that through all the fads and health crazes, one thing has stayed the same? Milk. Yep. Just milk. Like meat, produce, and other whole foods, milk has just one ingredient — milk. Unlike other beverages that try to mimic it, milk naturally delivers 13 essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D, selenium, and zinc without any science experiments or lengthy ingredient lists. A healthy diet doesn’t have to be hard to achieve. Milk is a whole food that makes getting enough high-quality protein, immune-boosting vitamins, and bone-strengthening minerals easy and delicious.

Tomorrow on #WorldMentalHealthDay, we’re reminded that resilience doesn’t mean going it alone. For Shandell Stewart, wife of a DFA farmer-owner Aaron Stewart, community looks like a monthly meet-up with other women in dairy — sharing stories, laughter, and the weight of farm life — at a monthly gathering in southwest Missouri. “Being able to get off the farm and have another adult conversation with someone other than my husband is a big deal to me,” Shandell says. That kind of connection — honest, supportive, and real — is what keeps us going. And it’s not just on the farm. Across our cooperative, employees find community through their teams, their work with farmer-owners, and through opportunities like employee resource groups and local volunteer events throughout the year. Today, let’s celebrate the power of showing up for each other — and commit to doing it more. Check in. Share a moment. Join a conversation. Because mental health is a shared responsibility—and community is one way we carry it. Read more about Shandell and her community at Farm Progress Daily >> https://bit.ly/48oZu8C.

We’re #DFAProud to share that The Creamery has been named Utah Business of the Year — an honor presented by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity at the One Utah Summit. The award celebrates innovation, community impact, and business excellence across the state. But this isn’t just a win for The Creamery — it’s a win for our farmer-owners and the dedicated employees who make it all possible. Founded in 1952 by local farmers, The Creamery has been a cornerstone of rural Utah’s economy for more than 70 years. Located just off I-15 in Beaver, it’s a must-stop for families traveling through southern Utah — a place where locals gather, travelers pause, and dairy becomes an experience. As a DFA-owned brand, The Creamery connects people to the story of dairy and the families behind it. Just 50 yards from our Beaver plant, it transforms milk from local DFA farms into the cheese and cheese curds visitors love. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized as Utah Business of the Year,” says Matt Robinson, general manager at The Creamery. “This award is a testament to the generations of dairy farmers, team members, and loyal guests who have made The Creamery a beloved family tradition for over 70 years. Our commitment to producing fresh, delicious cheese and celebrating Utah’s agricultural heritage is stronger than ever, and we’re proud to be part of the state’s vibrant economic story.” Congratulations to the entire Creamery team for making dairy a destination — and for showing what it means to be the best of the best.

Being responsible for a little one’s growing brain can feel a bit daunting. Thankfully, dairy is a parent’s best friend. Dairy foods, like whole milk, cheese, and yogurt, provide the calories and fat little ones need to fuel their growing brains. Dairy also provides seven of the 14 nutrients the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for optimal brain development: ⚡ Vitamin A 🧠 Vitamin B12 ⚡ Choline 🧠 Iodine ⚡ Protein 🧠 Selenium ⚡ Zinc Just one serving helps fuel your toddler’s rapidly growing brain and body. And even better news? It's all packed into tiny bites, so you know your little one is getting high-quality nutrition, even if their palate is picky. Every serving is a small step toward your toddler’s brightest future — and you’re doing an amazing job making it happen.

On #EnergyEfficiencyDay, we’re celebrating DFA farmer-owner Jeremy Moyer in Amelia Court House, Va., and the strides he’s taking to make his fifth-generation dairy more sustainable — in every sense of the word. Last August, he flipped the switch on solar panels that now power more than 90% of his milking barn — turning that Virginia sunshine into $30,000 in savings over the last year. The team at Oakmulgee Dairy has had so much success with their solar energy project, that they’ve kicked off construction on even more renewable energy initiatives. Construction is underway on a new methane digester that will turn manure and food waste into renewable energy, keeping greenhouses gasses out of the atmosphere and helping the dairy run smoothly. “We work with a partner that sources food waste from a mix of large and small producers,” Jeremy says. “It gives us a steady supply of organic material from larger companies as well as local restaurants, breweries, and wineries.” Jeremy says being a DFA farmer-owner has opened up opportunities like these that help protect the planet and the future of dairy. “DFA connected us with the team that installed our solar panels and guided us through the entire grant process,” Jeremy says. “We wouldn’t have discovered these opportunities — or had the support to pursue them — without DFA.” At the end of the day, Jeremy’s work on his farm is as much about producing high-quality milk as it is about the people, land, and community he serves. By continuing to embrace sustainability, he’s building a farm that nourishes families, supports rural life, and looks toward a brighter, greener future.