Today’s dairy families build on generations of commitment

This past year, California’s 1,750 dairy families faced historic challenges. Global economic downturn forced more than a few out of business and left most others struggling financially.

Fortunately, California dairy farmers are productive, innovative and determined to recover. That’s good for us all. California dairies are critical to national food security, supplying one-fifth of our country’s milk. Our state’s dairies also create 443,000 jobs and $63 billion in economic activity, boosting our recovery.

Today’s American farmer produces enough food for 130 people, the first link in a modern supply chain that fills grocery shelves year-round with affordable, nutritious and convenient choices. With such tremendous progress, it’s no surprise farming looks different than it did a century ago. Farms are larger. Busy consumers aren’t always aware of the important reasons for this change, and so- called “experts” can cause confusion by trying to demonize larger farms as “factory farms.”

California dairies are far from factories — they are family farms that in most cases have been in existence for generations. Dairy farmers respect the land, their animals and the legacy of hard work that has supported their own families while creating jobs across dairy communities. Efficiency and innovation are critical to that success. California dairy farmers are demonstrating daily that they can continually improve environmental stewardship and animal care while meeting the nutritional needs of a growing world population.

Who better to tell their story than the family dairy farmers of California? Here, you’ll meet a few of them and learn about their efforts to continue to improve animal care and environmental stewardship — all while creating jobs and bringing fine dairy products to the tables of millions of Americans. We appreciate your taking time to learn a bit more about our families so we can continue to serve yours.

William C. Van Dam
Chairman,
Dairy Cares Board of Directors