“We absolutely loved the sustainability aspect and were really impressed by Rogue Creamery’s use of technology – the use of artificial intelligence robots, RFID chips, etc. David [Gremmels] explained all the benefits and demonstrated how the entire dairy could be run from the apps on the dairy manager’s phone, which we found fascinating.”

In the social media world, “influencer” has become a term used to describe someone who can sway a target audience, often measured by the number of their “followers.” We took a broader, perhaps “old-school” approach, seeking individuals who personally shape, engage, motivate and inspire others, creating a positive impact locally, regionally and/or nationally. 

When Kimberly Little, owner of Little Moments Photography, posted her Christmas calf mini session photos of 6-month-old John Waylon and her Jersey calf named Rudolph, she never expected it to go viral on Facebook.

In 4-feet-high letters strung across the front of the manure pit on Ryans Glade Farm, a twinkling light display reads “Moo Moo Moo Dairy Christmas” – a dairy farmer's take on “Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas.”

Since the weather has turned colder, the days have gotten shorter and nights longer, it can be hard to find activities to do with friends or family. However, doing activities doesn’t always mean you have to go somewhere fun.

Christmas and cows are two of Mariah Busta’s favorite things. So when COVID-19 hit in 2020 and caused canceled events everywhere, she was determined to find alternative ways to spread Christmas cheer and still connect the community with dairy at Iowa’s Dairy Center in Calmar, Iowa.

Nicole Toebes met her husband, Ross, milking cows part-time on a dairy farm in Ontario. As time progressed, they were married and Ross took a herdsman position on a 500-cow dairy.

The Adopt A Cow program, created by the Dairy Excellence Foundation, is helping to bring dairy education into the classroom while building trusted relationships with local dairy farmers. 

Laura Daniels serves as founder and president of the Dairy Girl Network, an organization dedicated to inspiring women and cultivating connections in the dairy industry.