Dairy farmers reflect on their favorite moments of 2025, New Year’s goals for their farms, and the experiences that remind them why dairy matters.

Winter might have us reaching for extra layers, but for Southeast dairy cows, cooler days are a welcome break from the heat. Still, winter brings its own challenges. Here’s how local dairy farmers keep their herds healthy, comfortable, and thriving through the cold, wet Southern winter.

Farming isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is for the steadfast, the hopeful, and the people who find joy in moments most of us would scroll past. And today, these farmers are pulling back the barn door and sharing exactly why they’re grateful to do what they do.

Farm safety is something that we have all heard about in various ways and we have heard how to prepare farm equipment and tractors. It is also important to note that farm accidents still happen despite the best preparedness strategies. How prepared are we to help provide life-saving measures in those critical first few minutes when tragedy does strike on our farm?

The future of dairy evolves the old ways. This new generation of farmers is using their voices, their skills, and their values to build something better — for their families, for their land, and for all of us who benefit from their work.

Have you ever walked into a Southeast dairy barn and heard George Strait crooning through the rafters? More and more dairy farmers are playing music in the barn, and it’s not just for the dedicated workers. Music helps cows feel calm, safe, and more productive. As it turns out, a little Sinatra can go a long way when it comes to cow comfort. And when cows are comfortable, everybody wins.

Meet the Traylor family of 56 Heart of Dixie Dairy, where generations of farmers are growing a sustainable future for Alabama dairy and agriculture.

From homecoming tailgates to lab work in boots, university dairy science clubs are doing way more than just talking about milk (though that’s pretty great conversation, if we’re being honest). They’re building community, deepening agricultural roots, and having a little fun along the way.

We asked a few dairy science clubs to share what makes their group stand out, covering everything from signature events and fall meeting dates to how new students can get involved.

This month, we’re highlighting a few of these dedicated students who are making the most of their time on campus by working on their university’s dairy farm. From hands-on animal care to learning the ins and outs of agricultural science, their stories show how meaningful, memorable, and even life-changing a dairy farm job can be.

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? It’s the perfect excuse to cool off with a cone and to celebrate the people behind your favorite frozen treats. We're spotlighting four dairy farming families in the Southeast who turn fresh, high-quality milk into ice cream that's bursting with flavor and local pride.

Growing up on a farm shaped how I see food, not just as fuel, but as something deeply connected to family, land and tradition. I remember sitting on the porch with my grandparents, shelling peas and soaking up stories. It taught me the value of knowing where my food comes from and how to care for it from seed to table.

It seems like every time we open an app, there is a new influencer or article telling us how we will meet our demise if we do not follow certain nutrition guidelines. If you are wondering why the idea of a cold glass of chocolate milk sounds so refreshing after a good sweat, it could be your body’s way of telling you it needs the nutrients.

Protein is non-negotiable. We always hear the benefits of protein for muscle health, but it shouldn’t stop there. Along with maintaining muscle mass, men have unique nutritional needs for managing weight and sustaining daily energy levels. To reach nutrition goals, men could benefit from the high-quality nutrients found in dairy. It’s a complete protein and a complete win.

June is National Dairy Month, a time to recognize and appreciate the hardworking dairy farmers and the delicious, nutritious products they provide every day. Communities are coming together to celebrate with fun, family-friendly events, tastings, and educational opportunities. There are events across the Southeast this month to celebrate all things dairy.

Did you know that 1 in 2 women over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis? This is a powerful reminder that bone health isn’t just a concern for our later years. In fact, the habits we form in our 20s, 30s, and 40s lay the foundation for a lifetime of strength, mobility, and independence. June is National Dairy Month, and it is a great time to talk about how the complete protein in real milk supports bone health and offers an easy, accessible way to boost your intake.

Across the Southeast, dairy farmers are investing in modern facilities and technology to support their cows’ well-being. It’s housing cows in spacious bedded pack barns, equipping them with activity-tracking collars to monitor health and behavior, or installing rubber mattresses that provide a soft place to rest, farmers are going the extra mile.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to recognize and reflect on how our minds and bodies are connected. New studies show that for Americans over the age of 55, the chance of getting dementia is now 42%. This is partly because more people have chronic health issues and the typical American diet is lacking in key nutrients that support cognition and mental health. Nutrition supports our brain health and mental health. Let's look at some foods and key nutrients.

You may be surprised that dairy can help you through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and introducing foods to your baby. You may know that dairy foods are a good source of calcium, but did you know that they also provide protein, phosphorus, and iodine? Let me tell you how this can help you through every step of your motherhood journey.

At Crist Dairy in Edmonton, Kentucky, how resources are used is a serious consideration. As dairy farmer Bill Crist explains, “Every little piece, whether it’s cows, calves, corn, water, the ground, everything, it all intertwines together in some way, shape, or form.” 

During pregnancy, it is often recommended that moms incorporate snacks throughout their day as their need for more calories and nutrients rises throughout each trimester. Needs and appetite vary, but snacks are a great way to get more nutrients that will support both mom and baby. Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain 7 out of the 14 nutrients identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics as essential in baby’s early brain development.