Dairy Farming

Food has become more than nourishment – it reflects our beliefs about sustainability, our feelings and memories. With the average person being three generations removed from the farm, it’s not surprising that there’s growing interest in the farm to table movement. I’d like to invite you to learn more about the story of dairy from the farm to your table. We’ll be exploring each step of the process, and I welcome your questions as you take this journey.

Most kids grow up playing in their backyard or at the park. But for dairy farm kids, the whole farm is their playground! About 95% of U.S. farms are family-owned, and farm families are raising the next generation to pass along the farming way of life. Growing up on a dairy farm has its perks, and these adorable kiddos show us how it’s done. 

If you’re actively involved in dialogues around nutrition sustainability or food insecurity, it’s likely you’ve come across some pretty staggering statistics about food waste in America. While the estimates vary, it is believed that we waste anywhere from 30 to 40% of edible food.

When people think of dairy farmers they think about milk, cheese or yogurt – the yummy goodness you reach for in the fridge when it’s time to eat, snack or refuel. But have you ever thought about what dairy farmers bring to the table other than delicious dairy foods? The truth is that dairy farms contribute food, jobs, income and outreach in their local communities and beyond!

Whether it’s cow care or environmental sustainability, dairy farmers are passionate about their land, their animals and the quality of milk they provide to their communities. Although dairy farming requires lots of hard work, the beauty of farm life reminds them of how rewarding the profession truly is. Here’s a snapshot of life on our regional dairy farms.

The view doesn’t get much better than this. Photo Credit: Megan Owen, Lasater Dairy LLC

Once we’ve settled into our daily routines, most of us get our mornings going by 9 a.m. For Kyle Humphrey, a dairy farmer from Como, Texas, a big part of his day is already behind him. Humphrey & Humphrey Dairy has been in Kyle’s family for over 50 years and continuing the tradition as a dairy farmer has always been his dream. Despite the hard work and early mornings, he wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Have you ever wondered where your milk comes from and how it gets from the farm to your table? Read on for a quick glimpse into the journey of milk from farm to fridge – how it’s produced, its freshness and simplicity, and the story that connects your glass of milk with the local dairy farm families who produce it.

Ninety-five percent of dairy farms in the United States are owned by families, and Coronado Dairy in Wilcox, Arizona, fits into that statistic. But what makes Coronado different is that collective ownership is offered to the many families that work on the dairy farm. Coronado Dairy is a part of Riverview, LLP, a limited liability partnership, that allows its employees to buy into the dairy after two years of employment.

Animal care is a big deal to dairy farmers. If cows aren’t happy, they don’t produce as much milk for everyone to enjoy. Which is why farmers spend a lot of time and effort making sure their cows have the right nutrition, environment and veterinary care. Thanks to dairy industry professionals like Dr. Noa Roman-Muniz, farmers have access to solutions to constantly improve cow care. What sets her apart is a dedication to animals through people and their communications with each other.

Most of us like the idea of giving back to our community, but the reality is there are few people who fully commit to devoting their time and resources. Tara Vander Dussen, fifth-generation dairy farmer from Clovis, New Mexico, has found a way to balance her busy life on and off the farm to support an organization that helps those in need.