“When only 7% of the United States $30 billion spent globally on sponsorships is directed toward sportswomen, we need change,” Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) CEO Yin Woon Rani says.

Spoiler alert: It did not.
I sincerely thought I had a leg up on the non-farming set of expectant mothers with my experience caring for lactating animals that had the same gestational length as me. I really, truly did.

Around 100 women participated in the event this year, which focused on celebrating women in the dairy industry and providing an opportunity for them to share their stories and connect with their industry colleagues.

As I reflect on my career working for America’s dairy farmers, it’s important to know that it began with a single, deeply entrenched personal premise:

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. 

Hiring practices for reaching and attracting female candidates to work for you and build your dairy’s workforce and management team. 

Michelle McBride combines her passions for fitness and health with a new milk-based sports drink. 

“Waste is not waste; it is just a gap in the food system,” according to the Wheyward Spirit website.