Is chocolate milk a good post-workout recovery drink? Learn how it supports muscle recovery with carbs, fluids, and 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving.

For race car driver Mason Walters, performance isn't built on race day alone. It's built at home, where routines matter and recovery is just as important as training. 

Behind those routines is his biggest fan, his mom. 

The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) hosted its tenth Chef Showdown on September 2, 2026. It has named its 2026 winners.

From snack plates to "girl dinner," modular eating is changing how people approach meals, even meals with dairy. Learn what it is and how dairy foods can fit into this growing trend.

For many dads, back-to-school comes with early mornings, packed lunches, after-school pickup, homework, and practices. The daily race to get everyone out the door on time, mixed with juggling life demands, makes healthy eating challenging. Despite this, the busy back-to-school season also brings an opportunity to play an active role in building healthy habits at home.

Some of the best lessons about dairy happen when agriculture comes directly into the classroom. Local partners from 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau, and other agricultural organizations help students connect what they eat and drink every day to the farms and people behind it. Dairy Farmers and local ag educators were asked to share how they bring dairy to life for students, the farm facts kids love most, and their advice for helping the next generation learn more about dairy.

Across our region, dairy farmers, Extension educators, Farm Bureau staff, and youth organizations are helping bring agriculture into classrooms through interactive activities, engaging resources, and real-life experiences. They know that when learning is fun and relatable, students are more likely to remember it and share what they've learned with their families.

Learn how the Randy Davis Memorial Milk Fund carries one Tennessee dairy farmer’s legacy forward by connecting farms, families, and communities through fresh milk—from our farm to your family.

The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) is hosting its ninth Chef Showdown on September 2, 2026.

Need more protein, but don’t have more time?

Back-to-school season means early mornings, packed schedules, practices, homework, and everything in between. Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to add dairy protein throughout the day.

When you pour a glass of milk, you probably aren't thinking about its road trip. Often, the furthest into milk’s journey we consider is when we pull it off the grocery store shelf. 

Real dairy milk has a story that often starts surprisingly close to home, like right in the heart of Tennessee. When it comes to your milk, know it is local. 

Fuel busy afternoons with 5 after-school dairy snacks using real dairy. Milk, yogurt, and cheese provide protein as part of balanced, fun, and satisfying snacks for active kids.

As a mom of three, I know that the first week of school can be crazy and stressful. As a dietitian, I know how important it is to prioritize balanced meals, but it can be hard to make it happen. I’ve found that having a meal plan is a great way to set myself up for success that first week of school and beyond.

Fuel busy school mornings with easy, balanced meals featuring dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese. High-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fluids make dairy a practical part of an active family’s routine.

This National Ice Cream Month, share a scoop with someone you love and know this: healthy eating is sweetest when balance is an option on the menu. Try the Victory Swirl Ice Cream Bowl and see if it’s worth the hype!

Ever wondered how dairy farmers help cows beat the heat? Or what milk truck drivers do behind the scenes to make sure your dairy products arrive fresh and ready to enjoy? We asked dairy farmers to share how they care for their cows, protect milk quality, and keep fresh dairy moving from the farm to your family's table, even on the hottest summer days.

Dot Cake is a dessert that brings smiles before anyone even takes the first bite, and a few runaway sprinkles are just part of the experience. Whether you're planning a birthday, celebrating summer, or simply looking for your next baking project, Dot Cake is one trend worth trying. And thanks to real dairy ingredients, it's surprisingly approachable to recreate at home. 

Meals with dairy offer a refreshing twist with nutrition. Do you struggle to find motivation to cook dinner when summer temps are at their peak? Standing over a hot stove at the end of the hot day isn’t the most appealing activity. Even when the temp registers 99°F in the afternoons, serving a nutritious and balanced meal is still important. Lean into recipes that call for simple ingredients that require little to no cooking yet are still good sources of key nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

These four recipes made with real dairy foods are ready to earn a spot in your summer game day lineup. They're easy to make, fun to share, and made with real dairy, which naturally provides high-quality protein to help support muscle recovery and active lifestyles. 

Milk naturally provides high-quality protein to help support muscle recovery and active lifestyles. That's good news for kids racing across the backyard, adults squeezing in an evening walk, and anyone whose summer calendar somehow became busier than the school year's (but let’s not rush back there yet). 

So if your kitchen has become mission control this season, try these three hero-inspired recipes ready for launch.