From elementary and middle school to high school, college and beyond, the Dairy Excellence Foundation offers curriculum, on-farm experiences, scholarships and internships to students of all ages – all available at no cost thanks to our donors and partners.

Constant improvement is the key to success in today’s dairy industry. Regardless of farm size or location, successful dairy producers are always evaluating new practices, technologies, facilities and equipment choices that will improve efficiency, productivity, animal health and many more aspects of their operation.

As dairy farmers, we have a unique way of life and a distinct responsibility to share the stories of our farm and industry with our communities.

When immersed in a new culture, language, location and lifestyle, accessing health resources can be infuriating and confusing. Routine tasks, like setting up a dentist appointment and attending doctor’s visits, can be daunting, if not impossible, under these circumstances.

Nearly 400 dairy producers and industry professionals from across the Northeast gathered in East Syracuse, N.Y. this spring for two intense days of learning, collaboration, industry thought-leadership, and a few laughs.

Just as a love of farming runs strong in the Clark line, so does a willingness to serve.

If the story you tell yourself suggests it’s nobody’s business how you spend your money, ask yourself how you got there and why it has to be like that. I hope you would agree with me that the emotional factors around money affect the farm transition process.

Feeling good about yourself can help the family farm succeed by making you better at making decisions, dealing with problems, negotiating and leading.

Decide today that you are going to become more self-aware and self-controlled around the way you communicate to your farm team. I strongly believe good communication is the foundation of successful farms. Talking and listening well is the ultimate risk management tool.