This is the California Love
that comes from our farms families, the people who are committed to doing the right things, from big to little.
All of the ways we do our part to ensure a better world for generations to come.
Bar 20 Dairy’s first-of-its-kind fuel cells convert manure methane into renewable, combustion-free electricity to power BMW’s electric cars in California. Winner: U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award 2022
What do cows, beer, and climate change have in common? Just ask California dairy farmer Frank Konyn. He’s creating a greener future by upcycling spent brewer’s grain into protein-rich cow feed.
Dairy farms from the Golden State won big at this year's Dairy Sustainability Awards. Sustainable Conservation, Netafim, De Jager, and McRee Dairies’ innovative water conservation project benefits crops, the community, and the environment all in one.
Reducing emissions to achieve climate neutrality is no small task. Learn how California has maintained its spot as one of the top dairy-producing states while lowering its carbon footprint.
Listen to how cows, plants, and the environment have a symbiotic relationship, as explained by UC Davis professor Dr. Frank Mitloehner on the Dairy Defined Podcast.
Cows and Climate 101. UC Davis researcher Dr. Frank Mitloehner discusses how U.S. dairy farms have cut the carbon footprint of a glass of milk by two thirds since 1950, leading toward a greener future.
This CA dairy family has some unlikely neighbors! When the imperiled tricolored blackbirds began nesting at Diamond J Dairy, the Jonkmans delayed harvest to protect these birds. Get a birds-eye view of this family's success story and their commitment to farming sustainably.
CA dairy farmer Philip Verwey is determined to help improve air quality. And it’s working. By converting from diesel to electric, he’s managed to cut his dairy’s tractor-related emissions substantially. As a result of this game-changing idea, he’s been given the Innovation Center for US Dairy’s “Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability” award.
California dairy families continue to partner with local utilities to conserve energy and ensure a greener future. In fact, they have already saved over 55 million kilowatt-hours of energy, enough to supply electricity to more than 5,000 homes for a year.
More than 100 California dairy farms have installed solar energy systems, including Joseph Gallo Farms, which has the largest privately-owned system on a California dairy. "Sustainable farming has been a core value in our family starting with my grandfather," says third generation dairy farmer Peter Gallo.
California dairy families are turning to conservation and clean-energy to help reduce dependency on fossil fuels — and improving quality of life for all of us.
Cow power? It’s a thing. California dairy farms are reimagining renewable energy for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
California leads the world in reducing dairy methane emissions. The state will soon have a total of 80 digesters, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13 million tons in just their first 10 years of operation.
On California's dairy farms, every drop of water is used to its maximum benefit. Clean water cools milk and washes cows before being collected to flush manure from barn floors. And that’s not all! The water is then used to irrigate feed crops like corn and alfalfa. Nothing goes to waste.
The young women holding court in the Golden State.
Each year, California’s dairy districts select a special group of young women to represent the California dairy industry and champion the great dairy families from their communities.
2024 Princesses
Grace Silacci
District 1 Dairy Princess
Mariah Bravo
District 1 Alternate
Karlee Ramirez
District 2 Dairy Princess
Anna Graham
District 2 Alternate
Aubree Eddy
District 3 Dairy Princess
Taylor Hands
District 3 Alternate
Alexis Dias
District 4 Dairy Princess
Gabrielle Furtado
District 4 Alternate
Lilyanah Ribeiro
District 5 South Dairy Princess
Madelyn Movsesian
District 5 South Alternate
Claire Banducci
District 6 Dairy Princess
Olivia Vieira
District 6 Alternate
The programs and initiatives nearest and dearest to our hearts.
Inspire healthier children, families and communities
The Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative brings together change-makers and stakeholders—including educators, school foodservice staff, health professionals and community leaders—to elevate the health of children and families through the pursuit of lifelong healthy eating habits.
Vision: We envision a future of nutrition equity, where each and every child has access to the healthy foods and supports necessary to reach their full potential for growth, health and learning.
Cause: Together, we ensure that the unique and culturally diverse nutritional needs of children and their families are met.
Values:
1. All children and families deserve equitable access to healthy, culturally diverse, affordable and enjoyable foods as their human right.
2. Food systems ensure the health and well-being of children, their families and communities, while also protecting the health of the planet for future generations.
3. Nutrition education, environmental support and related policies and guidelines are based on the latest evidence-based research and practices.
4. Healthy eating is centered on individual and community diversity and lived experiences to foster nutrition security.
5. High-quality diets that include nutrient-dense underconsumed foods such as dairy, vegetables, fruit and whole grains are an essential part of ensuring children are supported to grow healthfully, learn optimally and develop social-emotional well-being throughout life.
Together, we are making a difference! Join the Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative to take action and inspire healthier children, families and communities.
Ready to Improve YOUR School?
We’re Fuel Up – an initiative created by America’s Dairy Farmers to help meet the needs of schools across the country when it comes to fueling healthy bodies and healthy minds.
Fuel Up is an initiative created by America’s dairy farm families focused on helping educators and students fuel wellness in the areas that matter most, like being mindful and staying healthy. Our educational resources, partnerships and grant/funding opportunities aim to broaden access to good nutrition and overall wellness.
Through Fuel Up, we’re committed to:
FUELING MINDS
Fuel Up provides the tools you need to help your students not only lead healthier and happier lives – but to be heard and inspire change.
FUELING BODIES
Through the Fuel Up platform, help your students learn that fueling their bodies with nutritious foods like dairy, fruits and veggies throughout the day gives the energy they need to be their very best.
CARING FOR THE PLANET
Fuel up provides educational resources for students to find out more about where their food comes from, the people behind it and how it’s made with care for the planet.
#CADAIRY4GOOD
More than 1 in 11 Californians face food insecurity, and that number is rising. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs have resulted in an increased need for food assistance in communities across the country.
California dairy families are continuing to support services for families in need by providing nutritious food like milk and dairy products to food banks through the state. You can support families in need with a donation of the 13 essential nutrients found in milk. Just $5 can provide a gallon of fresh milk – one of the most requested yet least donated items – to a family in need. Please join us in supporting California families.
