Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative owned and governed by family farmers, hosted its 26th Annual Meeting. The theme of the meeting — "One Connected Cooperative" — celebrates how working together as one cooperative drives value back to our farmer-owners.

“Everything we do is about creating value and benefit for our farm families, and 2024 is no exception,” said Dennis Rodenbaugh, president and CEO. “We are focused on operating with a One DFA approach, connecting our cooperative across all divisions, locations and business units, which has driven efficiencies and unlocked a new level of operational and financial performance. Everything we do is with our farmer-owners in mind and to deliver benefits to their milk check

Rodenbaugh added, “Going forward, we are looking 5 to 10 years ahead and beyond to ensure that dairy is a go-to for consumers around the world. We are exploring innovative opportunities for schools, foodservice and retail as well as the global marketplace to ensure that milk and dairy are meeting consumers’ needs.”

Highlights from 2023 that were reviewed at the meeting included:

• DFA’s participation and active role in an industry-wide initiative in 2023 to modernize Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) provisions. DFA recognizes that updates are warranted and supports comprehensive modernization that provides a balanced package benefitting both dairy farmers and processors, and helping ensure dairy farmers receive a reasonable minimum price for their milk

 • DFA is continuing to ensure that its farmer-owners have the opportunity to further advance their sustainability efforts with an ongoing focus on providing access to the tools to quantify the value of on-farm sustainability initiatives as well as helping accelerate the adoption of conservation practices and supplement income on the farm.

 • In the fall of 2023, DFA was selected to receive $22.8 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to implement a pilot project to reduce methane emissions on dairy farms by using an innovative feed additive

 • DFA made the first purchase of verified carbon credits on Athian’s livestock carbon insetting marketplace. The Athian platform allows farmers of all sizes to be recognized and rewarded for the investment being made toward a healthier environment

• The ongoing focus on research and development and the acceleration of innovation in DFA’s product pipeline, utilizing insights and data to drive faster decision-making

• Investment in extended shelf-life and aseptic capabilities to align with consumer demand

• Modernizing milk, especially in schools, to ensure kids receive the valuable nutrition package that milk provides

• Logistics optimization efforts, including technology investment, to drive supply chain efficiency. 

Also at the meeting, DFA’s commitment to its vision of enriching communities and consumers lives through all the possibilities of dairy was apparent, as $26,000 was raised for the DFA Cares Foundation. Additionally, through other community-focused activities, 11,500 gallons of milk will be donated to local food banks and help serve the communities where our farmers and employees live and work.

Finally, winners of the 2024 DFA Cares Foundation Scholarships were announced. This year, 64 recipients will receive a combined total of $83,000 toward their undergraduate and graduate studies.