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.
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.
Malela Fulton
District 1 Dairy Princess
Corinna Theisfeld
District 1 First Alternate
Samantha Gambonini
District 3 Dairy Princess
Ashley Winklemann
District 3 First Alternate
Amy Schafer
District 3 Second Alternate
Madeline Evans
District 4 Dairy Princess
Selina Lopes
District 6 Dairy Princess
Lauryn Knott
District 6 First Alternate
Rikki Silveira
District 6 Second Alternate
Ericka Simas
District 7 Dairy Princess
Kolbi Adams
District 8 Dairy Princess
Isabella Ribeiro
District 9 Dairy Princess
Sophia Gomes
District 9 First Alternate
The programs and initiatives nearest and dearest to our hearts.
Ready to Improve YOUR School?
Fuel Up to Play 60, the leading in-school health and wellness program empowers students and educators to work together to build healthier schools and create healthy, high-achieving students. The program offers a variety of opportunities for adults, students and schools; from in-school wellness initiatives to funding opportunities, there is something for everyone!
Check out the new FUTP 60 Virtual Homeroom.
Giving Gallons
More than 4.2 million people in California face hunger, and that number is rising. The COVID-19 pandemic has 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 to the Great American Milk Drive. 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.
