An open mind to listen to others’ advice may steer you in the direction of a lifetime. Taking others’ advice led Nicole Morris to become a dairy science instructor at Modesto Junior College (MJC) as well as grow her social media platform beyond Instagram and into Tik Tok. Morris juggles those passions along with running J&M Dairy with her husband, Johnny. 

In 2014, French pastry chef Maxime Pouvreau founded Petit Pot with the dream of bringing a taste of France to American shelves. After moving to California, Pouvreau poured his passion for high-quality, simple ingredients into creating creamy, delicious desserts inspired by his homeland.

Scotch Burn Farm is an eight-generation dairy located in Ryegate, Vermont, that has steadily grown over the years. Expanding the farm by purchasing land was an easy decision for Ethan Nelson, one that opened new opportunities for his family. They had been looking to grow, and the timing worked out perfectly when his uncle and cousins decided to sell.

Laura Hernandez would not be where she is today if it was not for the support or guidance of her parents. They always told her to never give up and believe in what she can accomplish. Hernandez was consistently reminded that if you work hard, you can make it happen.

Anissa Borges and Dayana Limon Santiago traveled to Thailand with the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) as part of its international internship program this summer.

When a devastating fire destroyed Reed’s Dairy on Jan. 18, 2024, second-generation dairy farmer Alan Reed faced what could have been the end of his dairy in Idaho Falls. Instead, thanks to a fire plan, quick action, community support and industry connections, not a single person or cow was lost. Reed is now turning tragedy into opportunity with a complete rebuild.