Meet the Traylor family of 56 Heart of Dixie Dairy in Alabama. Explore their family farm history, day-to-day work, and community connections.

From homecoming tailgates to lab work in boots, university dairy science clubs are doing way more than just talking about milk (though that’s pretty great conversation, if we’re being honest). They’re building community, deepening agricultural roots, and having a little fun along the way.

We asked a few dairy science clubs to share what makes their group stand out, covering everything from signature events and fall meeting dates to how new students can get involved.

This month, we’re highlighting a few of these dedicated students who are making the most of their time on campus by working on their university’s dairy farm. From hands-on animal care to learning the ins and outs of agricultural science, their stories show how meaningful, memorable, and even life-changing a dairy farm job can be.

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? It’s the perfect excuse to cool off with a cone and to celebrate the people behind your favorite frozen treats. We're spotlighting four dairy farming families in the Southeast who turn fresh, high-quality milk into ice cream that's bursting with flavor and local pride.

"How now, brown cow?” 

It’s an old-fashioned greeting that’s become a tongue-twister classic. And besides being a delightful way to confuse people in public, this old-timey phrase is actually the perfect icebreaker for today’s topic: dairy cows. 

June is National Dairy Month, a time to recognize and appreciate the hardworking dairy farmers and the delicious, nutritious products they provide every day. Communities are coming together to celebrate with fun, family-friendly events, tastings, and educational opportunities. There are events across the Southeast this month to celebrate all things dairy.

Across the Southeast, dairy farmers are investing in modern facilities and technology to support their cows’ well-being. It’s housing cows in spacious bedded pack barns, equipping them with activity-tracking collars to monitor health and behavior, or installing rubber mattresses that provide a soft place to rest, farmers are going the extra mile.

At Crist Dairy in Edmonton, Kentucky, how resources are used is a serious consideration. As dairy farmer Bill Crist explains, “Every little piece, whether it’s cows, calves, corn, water, the ground, everything, it all intertwines together in some way, shape, or form.” 

Dairy farmers across the Southeast strive to protect our natural resources and increase efficiencies on the farm: a win-win for the planet, local communities, and supporting small businesses in rural America. As we celebrate Earth Month, let these dairy farmer stories be a reminder of the hardworking families behind that glass of milk and their commitment to producing a sustainable food for you!

Farming has always been more than just a livelihood for many families. To them, farming is a tradition passed down through the generations. But as the world changes, so does the way they approach their work. In response to environmental challenges, these farmers are embracing sustainable practices to ensure that their businesses—and the land they care for—can thrive for years to come.

When the word sustainability comes to mind, what do you think of? Reducing your carbon footprint? Composting? Environmentally friendly farming practices? If you thought of any of these, you are correct! However, sustainability goes beyond environmental impacts—it also relates to nutrition, affordability, and accessibility.

Dairy farming relies on a bond formed between dairy farmers passionate about the industry and the dairy cows they work alongside, including cows' unique four-chambered stomachs. The relationship between dairy farmers and dairy cows is more than caretaking. It is a partnership that shapes a more sustainable agricultural future. This mutually beneficial relationship supports the farm’s sustainability—and that of other industries, too.

As the world faces growing changes and challenges, finding sustainable solutions in food production is more important than ever. Dairy farming is working toward a more sustainable food future. Through innovation and responsible practices, the dairy industry is significantly reducing its environmental footprint, proving that sustainability and productivity can go hand in hand. 

Dairy farmers work with trusted advisors to help make the best decisions for their cows and their farm. As we celebrate National Agriculture Week in March, it’s important to remember a successful farm is built with the support of the entire dairy community.

Did you know women are now the fastest growing demographic in farming in the United States with 51% of all U.S. farms have at least one female operator? Let’s raise a glass to all the women playing a critical role in the future of farming.

National Agriculture Week, celebrated every March, is a time to honor America’s agricultural industry and its vital role in our food system and economy. National Agriculture Week gives us consumers the opportunity to thank the agriculture industry for growing our country’s food, fiber, and renewable products, as well as providing jobs and careers that support our communities.

This National Nutrition Month, I encourage you to attend a virtual dairy farm tour to learn more about where your milk, cheese, and yogurt are coming from. In the Southeast region alone, I have had the privilege of visiting numerous farms through both virtual and in-person visits. If you need some extra inspiration, here are the top 3 things I learned this year working for dairy farmers.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we asked our married dairy farmers across the Southeast to share their dairy love stories. Enjoy these heartwarming stories and share the love this Valentine’s Day season.

Dairy farmers across the U.S. are proud that milk is one of the safest and nutrient-rich choices for you and your family. All milk is 100% antibiotic-free. There are no added hormones in any milk.

Understanding where food comes from is a vital component of offering sound nutrition advice rooted in real-world knowledge. For registered dietitians (RDs), a basic knowledge of dairy farming is invaluable. Here are five key insights about dairy farms that RDs should know.