With less than 2 percent of the U.S. population involved in farming today, many people don’t have the opportunity to visit a dairy farm.

Add the fact that most people are three to four generations removed from the farm, and you find a pretty big information gap. The information below will help you bridge that agricultural gap and learn more about the farm practices that take place every day on dairy farms here in Florida, and all around the country.

Animal Care

Treating animals with respect and compassion is part of every dairy farmer’s heritage.  Simply put, no dairy farmer can succeed without healthy and content cows.  Farmers recognize that good animal welfare practices lead to the production of high-quality, safe and wholesome milk, and they’re constantly seeking ways to improve the comfort of their animals.  Learn more about animal care here!

Dairy Quality

Because milk is among the most highly regulated foods in the country, consumers can be assured that it is a safe, wholesome and delicious beverage.  Maintaining milk’s freshness and quality is a job that starts at dairy farms every day of the year and continues at the processing plant, where it is tested, pasteurized and bottled.  Learn more about dairy quality here!

Environmental Safeguards

There’s an old saying about farmers being the first environmentalists. Caring for the land, water and air remains a daily commitment by dairy farmers. Most dairy farmers make their home at the farm, giving them even more incentive to be a good neighbor and protect natural resources.  Learn more about dairy farmers care for their environment here!

Modern Technology

Farmers have a vested interest in protecting wetlands, eco-diversity and other natural resources. For centuries, they’ve used traditional methods such as crop rotation and mulching to preserve the fertility of the land. Today, dairy farmers have even more options at their disposal to help reduce their environmental footprint.  Learn more about the modern technology they use here!

Safekeeping Farms

Safety and security took on new meaning for Americans after Sept. 11, 2001. The dairy industry works hand-in-hand with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others to safeguard the nation’s milk supply.  Learn more about the wide range of measures dairy farmers take to secure the milk supply here!

Making the Grade

Dairy is one of the most regulated and inspected industries in agriculture. As part of the regulation process, dairy farms are inspected by both state and federal employees to ensure clean water and to minimize future environmental impacts.  Learn more about how dairy farmers go above and beyond these requirements to protect the legacy they’ll leave to their children here!