Our farmer-owners are passionate about dairy
Behind every drop of our milk is the passion of more than 9,500 family dairy farmers.
It's the same passion that has been passed down to them for generations, and one that our Cooperative commits to nurturing for generations to come. Because proud DFA farmer-owners who produce delicious, nutritious dairy are the core of what we do and who we are.
Many farms. One community.
From small farms to larger farms, and all the farms in between. Each one, whether multi-generational or newly established, takes pride in keeping the milk flowing and our dairy cravings satisfied.
Our farmer-owners? They're so much more than just dairy farmers — they're business owners, crop growers, employers, and, at times (or quite often), mechanics, electricians, and all-around problem-solvers.
On and off the farm, DFA farmer-owners are industry leaders, community supporters, school board members, volunteer firefighters, Little League coaches, and so much more. They're woven into the fabric of their communities, taking part in big and small ways to support, celebrate, and engage with their neighbors down the road and around the world.
Deliciousness starts on our family dairy farms
Smooth-running farms and well-cared for herds are keys to producing the most delicious milk. It's an every day, year-round job — and our farmer-owners love what they do (even when the wind chill is 40 below).
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DFA farmer-owners put their cows first, ensuring they’re healthy, comfortable, and well-cared for — every single day. -
Tending the cows means constant care and DFA farmer-owners are there for every nose nudge and hay-flecked “hello”. -
Feeding the herd doesn’t stop for snow. Dairy cows enjoy meticulously planned and prepared meals no matter the weather. -
Keeping the cows fed is a big chore. Dairy cows can eat about 100 pounds of feed a day! -
Some dairy cows enjoy seasonal grazing, usually in the spring, summer, or early fall.
Morning
4:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. Wake up and fuel up
Running a farm requires an early start. A very early start. While you're dreaming, our farmers are rolling out of bed, firing up the coffee pot, and preparing for the long day ahead.
Morning
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5:30 a.m. - 7 a.m. Morning chores and breakfast
There's never a shortage of things to do on the farm. Our farmers use this time to clean, mend, track, and catalog. Once they're finished, they might sneak inside for a little breakfast.
Morning
7 a.m. - 9 a.m. Milking and feeding the cows
Time for the first milking of the day. This is a routine for everyone involved, and the cows are lining up to get started. Once milking is over, they're ready to eat. Each milking cow eats about 100 pounds of feed each day!
Morning
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Caring for the calves
Calves are the future of the herd, so they need to grow strong and healthy. Our farmers use this time to give them their full attention — feeding them, providing them with necessary care, and showering them with attention.
Morning
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Tending to the land
Before the afternoon heat sets in, farmers use this time to tend to their fields, planting crops to feed their herd — or making an unexpected pitstop to fix a tractor. Every day brings a new and exciting challenge to tackle.
Afternoon
12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunchtime
Farming burns a lot of calories. Time to fuel up with some lunch (and a glass of milk, of course!), and then it's time to head back out to work.
Afternoon
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Offloading the milk
The milk truck arrives! Fresh milk is loaded into the tank, which takes it to the dairy manufacturing plant to be made into all of the products you love like milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, and much more.
Afternoon
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Office time
Farmers are business people, too. While dairy farming is labor intensive, it also involves a lot of record keeping to make sure cows' health records are current, their growth is on track, and the crops are tended to.
Afternoon
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Visit from the vet
Veterinarian visits don't happen every day, but once or twice a week the cows need a quick checkup. Especially our expecting mothers and young calves. The vet will take care of any vaccinations and treatments, and ensure the animals are healthy and thriving.
Evening
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dinnertime for the cows
Time to feed the cows — again! Producing milk makes the cows extra hungry, so our farmers make sure their dinner is nutritious and prompt.
Evening
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. One last milking
Yep, the cows get milked twice per day (and sometimes up to three times!) By maintaining a strict milking schedule, our farmers keep them comfortable and well-cared for.
Evening
8 p.m. - 9 p.m. Time to rest and recharge
After a full day of work, our farmers are ready to relax and unwind. They spend time with family, eat dinner and then hit the hay for some rest. Now they're ready to tackle it all over again tomorrow.
Sustainable farming (before it was cool)
It's one of our commitments as a Cooperative and a responsibility all our farmer-owners share. By reducing waste, implementing energy-saving measures, and responsibly tending to their land and animals, we collectively work to help care for our planet.
The dairy you love, from farm to table
Starting at the farm, dairy goes through many stages before it hits the shelves. From storage and transportation to processing and distributing, the dairy journey ensures health, safety, and flavor at every step.
Our communities are family
As members of our communities, it's our responsibility to enrich and engage with our neighbors. Through initiatives that uplift and support them, we create a strong connection and showcase the wonders dairy can bring.
Farmer-Owner Programs and Benefits
We exist to bring value to our farmer-owners. In addition to picking up their milk every day, we also provide support, services, and specialized programs to help them with their everyday operations.
Explore the benefits