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.

With so much information – and misinformation – circulating about the pros and cons of genetically modified foods, it’s understandable that the public is concerned and, at times, confused about what to believe. An increased focus on health has consumers more conscious than ever about what they are eating and where their food comes from.

“Dear Panera Bread Company, you’ve lost a customer.” Blogger and southern Wisconsin dairy farmer Carrie Mess – or Dairy Carrie, as she’s known to her online fans – describes herself as honest and frank.

Animal protection groups have refined their use of undercover video investigations to effectively bring more public attention to their cause and influence food company policies. Fortunately, the food animal industry has evolved in responding to them.