Dairy farmers are using smart tech to ensure cow health and comfort. Discover how technology shapes the future of cow care.
Real California Dairy by Real California Families
Meet our real California dairy
California Dairy
Stories
Growing Up Free Range
Childhood looks a little different here. It’s open, free, and full of California dairy.
Why We Live This Dairy Life
Life on the dairy means enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Curious Little Minds
Real California cows. Real curious kids. Watch the cutest interview you’ll ever see.
When Dairy Runs In The Family
Dairy kids don’t just inherit the dairy farm. They inherit the way of life.
Farm Family Is Everything
The best part about this dairy life is you work with the people you love.
The Dairy State of mind
California is home to more than 1,000 dairy farms.
99% of California dairy farms are family owned.
Nearly 46% of all of California milk goes to make California Cheese.
Northern California
Rain means green and green means pastures. The climate in this area allows for a lot of pasture-based grazing that mimics the way big herds of migratory animals live in the wild. Every time a cow leaves the milk barn they have a new, fresh area of grass to graze.
Tulare County
Tulare County is the largest dairy-producing county in the nation. It also has the most milk cows with 450,000.
Central/Southern California
Farms in this region can get pretty warm. To help make sure the cows are comfortable, farms here use freestall barns to keep the cows cool throughout the summer. On the plus side, all that sunshine means farms can also grow crops during multiple growing seasons.
of mind
The Dairy State
The many, many reasons California is the perfect place for dairy.
Northern California
Northern California
Rain means green and green means pastures. The climate in this area allows for a lot of pasture-based grazing that mimics the way big herds of migratory animals live in the wild. Every time a cow leaves the milk barn they have a new, fresh area of grass to graze.
Tulare County
Tulare County
Tulare County is the largest dairy-producing county in the nation. It also has the most milk cows with 450,000.
Central/Southern California
Central/Southern California
Farms in this region can get pretty warm. To help make sure the cows are comfortable, farms here use freestall barns to keep the cows cool throughout the summer. On the plus side, all that sunshine means farms can also grow crops during multiple growing seasons.
Our Farms - The Dairy State of Mind
California is home to more than 1,000 dairy farms.
99% of California dairy farms are family owned.
Nearly 46% of all of California milk goes to make California Cheese.
Farm
smarts
Dairy farming has come a long way since the days of a stool and a bucket…
Tech for Cow Comfort
Breaking New Ground
By adapting bold, new practices to boost soil health, California dairy farmers Frank Fernandes and Jonathan Lawrence are improving the sustainability of their farms. The innovative “California no till” system conserves water and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
From Farm To Fuel
California dairy farmers are teaming up with California Bioenergy and Chevron to capture methane for use as renewable natural gas. The alternative fuel will be used to power vehicles and will help the environment by reducing greenhouse gases. Now that’s a win-win.
Magical Manure
Southern California’s Scott Brothers Dairy is truly pioneering when it comes to reducing their carbon hoofprint and promoting sustainability. They’ve found a way to convert the manure from their 1,100 dairy cows into clean, renewable diesel fuel that’s used to operate their tractors and machinery. Talk about MOO-mentum!
Solar Farming
In California, one resource in abundance is sun-power. Solar technology is helping dairy farmers make big leaps in sustainability. Farms utilizing solar can use 90% less energy than conventional farming alone.
Plate Coolers
Plate coolers are able to cool milk quickly with water to ensure the quality of the milk.
Dairy
documentaries
Put on your boots and take a stroll through a California dairy farm.
Now playing
The Future of Sustainable Dairy
Now playing
The Future of Sustainable Dairy
Now playing
Feeding a Greener Future
Now playing
Being a Dairy Girl
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Cali Stroopwafels
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Dairyman Training
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Farm to College
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Going Dairy
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Family Feast
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Running the Dairy
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Taco Party
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Tractor Pull
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Dairy Volleyball
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Steward of the Land
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Tjaarda Dairy
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Vevoda Dairy
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Alexandre Family – Eco-Dairy Farm
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Skyview Dairy
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Sustainability
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Regli Farms
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Red Top Jersey’s Dairy
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Radelfinger Dairy
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McClelland Dairy
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James Ahlem Dairy
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Delta View Farms
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Dairy Students
Now playing
Curtimade Dairy Inc.
Now playing
Carinalli Dairy
Now playing
Bob Giacomini Dairy
Now playing
Bancrest Dairy
Now playing
Airosa Dairy
Dairy
documentaries
Put on your boots and take a stroll through a California dairy farm.
The Future of Sustainable Dairy
Feeding a Greener Future
Being a Dairy Girl
Cali Stroopwafels
Dairyman Training
Farm to College
Going Dairy
Family Feast
Running the Dairy
Taco Party
Tractor Pull
Dairy Volleyball
Steward of the Land
Tjaarda Dairy
Vevoda Dairy
Alexandre Family – Eco-Dairy Farm
Skyview Dairy
Sustainability
Regli Farms
Red Top Jersey’s Dairy
Radelfinger Dairy
McClelland Dairy
James Ahlem Dairy
Delta View Farms
Dairy Students
Curtimade Dairy Inc.
Carinalli Dairy
Bob Giacomini Dairy
Bancrest Dairy
Airosa Dairy
VirtualFarm Tours
Embark on a virtual journey to a California dairy farm, right from your classroom! Students delve into cow anatomy, milk production, and farm sustainability. Engage with dairy farmers, witness milking, and explore eco-friendly practices. Foster agricultural literacy and healthy food choices in your school curriculum.
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© 2025 California Milk Advisory Board, an instrumentality of the CA Dept. of Food and Ag. All rights reserved.
© 2025 California Milk Advisory Board, an instrumentality of the CA Dept. of Food and Ag. All rights reserved.