Darigold Inc. said it unveiled a giant “World Cow” mural, painted by Vermont-based artist DJ Barry, at its Sunnyside, Wash., processing facility. The 44-by-66-foot mural, featuring a Holstein cow with spots arranged as a world map, commemorates Darigold’s commitment to ensuring a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment across its entire enterprise.
Building its century-old legacy of providing high-quality dairy to Northwest communities, Darigold has undertaken a months-long initiative to ensure all team members feel a sense of belonging and excitement to execute its vision of “Leading Dairy Forward.” This ongoing process aided by employees will result in new tools and training designed to help team members thrive, the co-op said. Marie-Claude Milot, Darigold’s head of people, culture and engagement, said Barry’s World Cow concept was a natural fit for the Northwest dairy business.
“This art project is designed to honor the legacy of our member-owners who have worked with cows for over 100 years to produce wholesome, nutritious dairy products,” she said. We hope it will not only bring joy to all those who pass by in Sunnyside, but also demonstrate to team members, customers and member-owners Darigold’s commitment to ensuring a thriving and inclusive workplace.”
Barry, who grew up surrounded by dairies in Vermont, founded World Cow five years ago. Now featured in more than 30 countries globally, the movement includes varying sizes of the Holstein cow painted using stencils Barry produces at his home base. The Sunnyside mural breaks his former world record of a 20-foot-wide cow in Burlington, Vt. World Cow’s product sales help support various charities, including a Vermont-based organization that provides food assistance to children from low-income families, Darigold said.
“It has been such a privilege to visit Washington State and paint the largest mural of my career for Darigold,” said Barry. “Not only do I drink milk every day to keep my bones strong, but the work that Darigold is doing to promote diversity, equity and inclusion connects beautifully with World Cow’s vision to promote love and unity, hopefully inspiring the world to be more kind and loving.”
To further support the Sunnyside Community, Barry created a GoFundMe for Nuestra Casa. Founded in 2003 by Sister Mary Rita Rohde, the nonprofit organization provides a range of services for immigrant families in Washington’s lower Yakima Valley — especially for women. Each year, the 501 (c)(3) assists approximately 1,000 immigrant adults by providing workshops, referral services and classes — including English language classes that are accessible to entire families, Darigold said.
To contribute to the fundraiser, visit: https://gofund.me/2d7874fa. Donations are tax-deductible.
