Farmers know a lot about the microscopic elements affecting the health of their dairy herds and crops. As researchers at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in Marshfield, Wisconsin, we are taking a fresh look at agricultural microbiomes (the clusters of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live together) in different farm environments.

The country’s dairy farmers are proud to produce products that can be an important part of the American diet. Sometimes, however, consumers are confused about what role dairy can, or should, play in their diets. Their concerns run the gamut – from lactose intolerance to organic versus non-organic milk to the safety of raw milk.