theScoop - September 2025 - by Dairy Farmers of America - Issue

DONATE YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

How we're investing in our communities.

$66,000+

In products and monetary donations to feeding organizations throughout the country

64 Scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students

$65,000

To assist with disaster relief

Community is at the core of who we are at DFA. Our DFA Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by a farmer-led board of directors, is making lasting change through:

HUNGER RELIEF

Providing dairy products to those in need

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Helping those around the world impacted by natural disasters

SCHOLARSHIPS

Investing in the future of the dairy industry HELP US REACH OUR $500,000 GIVING GOAL

“Investing in me and my peers means that you are investing in the future. This allows us to learn and study new techniques and methods that allow us to farm more efficiently and sustainably.”

MARK WANGSGARD | LOGAN, UTAH | DFA CARES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

“Throughout the years, DFA has showed up for our community in numerous ways. For starters, they have a lifetime giving that has provided half a million meals for people experiencing food insecurity. They have also rolled up their sleeves to volunteer in our warehouse and pack thousands of sack lunches to use during emergencies and disaster response. We're proud to call them a lifelong supporter and hunger-fighting partner.”

HARVESTERS COMMUNITY FOOD NETWORK

We’ve set a goal this year to raise $500,000 and maximize the positive impact we make in the communities where we live and work. You can help us reach this mark through a one-time or recurring gift.

ONE DFA IN ACTION

Pouring teamwork into every milk jug.

The DFA plant in Marquette, Mich., which produces Jilbert Dairy ™ branded products, had a jug-sized problem.

An outside vendor was supplying milk jugs for the over 13,300 gallons of fluid milk the plant processed each day, which was not cost efficient. After doing some research and collaborating with team members, the plant's leadership began coordinating with managers at the DFA plant in Grand Rapids, Mich., which produces Country Fresh® Dairy branded products and makes its milk jugs on site, to establish a partnership.

There were challenges at first — like how to prevent the milk jugs in Grand Rapids from shrinking due to time differences of when they are used. When the plastic jugs are made using a blow mold, they can hold onto stress and may shrink over time. Typically, the milk jugs are filled within minutes or hours at the Grand

Rapids plant, so it’s not an issue, but after shipping to Marquette, which is about 400 miles away, they aren’t used for 7–10 days.

The plants solved this issue by using annealing tunnels, a process involving controlled heating to relieve internal stresses and improve stability. Once the partnership was fully underway, Jilbert Dairy began saving $250,000–$300,000 a year in costs.

So, not only did this collaboration exemplify working together as One DFA, but it also furthered our mission of delivering value to our family farm-owners as a leading global dairy cooperative.

Have your own One DFA story to tell?

Inspire others! Share your experience of teams or employees coming together to accomplish a task, project, or goal.

IN THE KITCHEN

Beat the heat with these cool treats

Milk50 Chocolate

Peanut Butter Smoothie

PREP TIME 5 MINUTES SERVES 1

This quick breakfast smoothie features Milk50™, a product from DFA farmer-owned brand DairyPure®. With 9 grams of protein, no lactose, only 50 calories per serving and 75% less sugar than skim milk, Milk50 is the perfect choice for this protein-packed smoothie — for a healthy start to your day.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup 4% cottage cheese

3/4 cup Milk50 by DairyPure Chocolate

1 frozen ripe banana

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon chocolate-flavored syrup

Optional garnishes: Sprinkle of ground cinnamon, turmeric, ginger or cardamom, flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut flakes, grated chocolate, or granola

METHOD

PLACE cottage cheese in blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

ADD all remaining smoothie ingredients to cottage cheese and blend until smooth.

SERVE immediately with desired garnishes.

WHERE TO FIND

Find Milk50 near you (and our other DFA farmer-owned brands) at dfamilk.com/brands-and-products

Purple Cow Float

PREP TIME 3-4 MINUTES SERVES 1

EMPLOYEE RICH BOLEWSKI

ROLE CONTROLS AND ELECTRICAL

ENGINEERING MANAGER

LOCATION KANSAS CITY, KAN.

This whimsical treat has been a childhood favorite of Rich’s since first grade.

INGREDIENTS

Vanilla ice cream

Grape concentrated syrup (substitute: grape juice or grape soda) Whipped cream

METHOD

ADD 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream to a glass.

POUR your desired amount of grape concentrated syrup over the top. TOP with whipped cream, if desired.

Coffee

Frappe

PREP TIME 5 MINUTES SERVES 1

EMPLOYEE KERRY BURKE

ROLE TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

CULINARY SENIOR MANAGER

LOCATION SPRINGFIELD, MO.

Kerry, a trained chef who works out of DFA’s Innovation Center on the research and development team, created this refreshing summer coffee drink for a customer tasting.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup vanilla ice cream

2/3 cup crushed ice

3/4 cup strong cold brewed iced coffee

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

METHOD

COMBINE all ingredients in a blender.

BLEND until smooth.

SERVE immediately.

GET FEATURED

Submit a beloved, dairy-filled recipe for a future issue!

MOO-VIE MAGIC

DFA's dairy products take the spotlight in popular movies and TV shows.

Ever noticed your favorite TV characters sipping on milk or enjoying a bowl of ice cream? That's no coincidence! DFA has been strategically placing our products in popular TV shows and movies, making sure dairy is front and center in the media you love. This authentic product placement not only showcases the versatility of dairy but also connects with viewers on a deeper level, reinforcing its presence in everyday life.

For nearly three years, DFA has worked with EightPM, an agency that helps brands capture attention with product integrations in streamable TV shows and movies. Their goal is to authentically weave brands into stories that resonate with viewers, including making sure the brand offered matches the location in which the scene is set, or using a national brand for more broad appeal.

Recently, DFA products have appeared in popular shows like Happy's Place, Nutcrackers, Reacher, The Gutter, and Parental Consent.

1. What to watch: Happy's Place on NBC

Look for: Mayfield Dairy Farms® 2% milk in half gallons and quart s

2. What to watch: Nutcrackers on Hulu

Look for: Kemps® 1% chocolate milk and whole milk

3. What to watch: Reacher on Amazon Prime, season three Look for: Kemps milk, chocolate milk, and lactose-free milk in various sizes and fat levels, and whipping cream

KEEP AN EYE OUT

Next time you're watching TV or a movie, look for beloved DFA products from such brands as Alta Dena Dairy, Kemps, Oak Farms Dairy, Mayfield Dairy Farms and more!

4. What to watch: The Gutter on Hulu Look for: Alta Dena® Dairy, Garelick Farms®, Oak Farms® Dairy, and Reiter™ Dairy signage

5. What to watch: Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead on Pluto TV Look for: Alta Dena Dairy whole milk

CUSTOMER CONNECTION

PASTARRIFIC!

Created with help from DFA, this new Prego® sauce is the perfect addition to pasta night.

Produced with a key dairy ingredient from the DFA plant in Hummelstown, Pa., Campbell's® new Prego Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce represents the latest innovation in the brand’s growing shelf presence. With more consumers wanting indulgent mac and cheese, the new Prego cheddar sauce offers a premium alternative to boxed products. Campbell's quickly brought this sauce to market by using already commercialized and approved ingredients — including some from DFA. And DFA food scientists also helped elevate the taste of the product by adding a hint of Parmesan cheese to the primarily cheddar flavor.

DAIRY + COMMUNITY

WEEK ONE: HONORING OUR FARMER-OWNERS

During the first week of June, we honored our farmerowners, showcasing their dedication to dairy and contributions to the Cooperative. The celebration included a video for our farmer-owners of DFA employees thanking them, as well as recognition events.

WEEK TWO: FLUID MILK

After celebrating our farmer-owners, of course we had to start this week with the true original and where all yummy dairy products begin — fluid milk. Whether you're team chocolate, strawberry, classic white, or feeling adventurous with blue and green milk, we’ve got a flavor for every mood. It was a milk-tastic celebration proving the best beginnings come in a glass.

WEEK THREE: ICE CREAM

Ice cream lovers rejoiced as DFA employees celebrated this beloved dairy product. The week featured stories about the history of ice cream, employee spotlights, and innovative ice cream products from our product brands, like Kemps® Kempswich® Cores, which feature ice cream sandwiched between two cookies and filled with a decadent,

CHEESE AND CULTURED PRODUCTS

SHARING IS CARING

SUBMIT YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES

WEEK FIVE: DAIRY INGREDIENTS AND BUTTER

It wouldn't be June Dairy Month if we didn't highlight dairy ingredients and butter, because what's a world without butter?

Giving back to your community isn't all about monetary donations; your time is just as valuable.

During June Dairy Month, teams across the nation volunteered their time to support their local communities. Help us get a better picture of our Cooperative’s charitable reach by tracking your volunteer hours.

SHARE YOUR EFFORTS Scan to start tracking your hours.

FIVE FAST

with Kristin de la Porte

Insights into this General Manager's leadership experience and her vision for the future.

Kristin de la Porte is the General Manager at DFA’s plant in Turlock, Calif., which produces soft Italian cheeses. Her history with DFA stretches back to high school graduation. Along the way, she worked at a small start-up cooperative and owned a local flower shop, the Turlock Flower Shop, for seven years.

QTell us about your journey to become the General Manager at DFA's plant in Turlock, Calif.?

I started at DFA right out of high school as a temporary employee at a plant DFA formerly owned in Hughson, Calif., while attending junior college. After three years working in the office, the Plant Manager at Turlock hired me into a full-time role as a Production Clerk doing data entry. Over the years, I was promoted in various roles in accounting and finance. In 2015, I became the Manager of Operations and Finance at the plant, which eventually led me to a local cooperative, Valley Milk, as Chief Financial Officer in 2020. Earlier this year, the General Manager role at the Turlock plant opened up, and I came back.

What drew you back to DFA?

The plant, the people, and the community within DFA were major factors. Working for a large cooperative again appealed to me. While the other cooperative was a single-site plant, DFA has support and systems in place, and I was interested in the opportunity to return in a different capacity. The General Manager role intrigued me as it was a brand-new position, offering growth potential without the need to relocate.

What aspects of working in dairy do you value most?

At Valley Milk, I was able to build a close connection with farmers, understanding the board structure and policy side. The importance of the member-owner connection to my work is invaluable. At the end of the day, we are supporting the owners and they are the heart and soul of the business. I think it’s important to recognize that our role on the manufacturing side is to bring value to our farmer-owners, which is the most rewarding aspect of working in the dairy industry.

What changes have you observed in the dairy industry over the years?

When I started in this industry, it was primarily men in all management positions. I was one of the few women participating in conferences and events outside this plant. As time has progressed, it's great to see more women in leadership roles. We've always had women in production roles, but it's encouraging to see more in various leadership roles within the industry. It’s something I'm proud of. It’s something I hope encourages others.

What is your favorite dairy product and why?

Cheese, definitely! I love all kinds of cheese, but I'm particularly biased toward our mozzarella.

It's a reminder of where we came from and why we keep going.”

JACOB GOODROE DFA FARMER-OWNER

GENERATIONS IN THE MAKING

The Goodroe family legacy

At Joe Goodroe Farms, dairy farming is more than a livelihood — it’s a legacy. As a fifthgeneration farmer, Jacob Goodroe is following in the footsteps of his dad and uncles, with the sixth generation already stepping into boots beside him. His son Eli helps after school, learning the rhythms of farm life and the values that have shaped this family for over a century. What began with Adolf Goodroe and five cows has evolved into a 325-cow Holstein dairy run by Jacob, his dad, his two uncles, and one hired hand. Their day starts with milking at 3:30 a.m., followed by feeding calves and scraping barns to keep everything clean and running smooth. After a midday break for lunch — together as a family when their schedule allows — they gear up for afternoon chores and a second milking that wraps up around 8 p.m.

“No day is the same as the cows make the decisions for us," Jacob says, laughing. It’s a pace and a purpose that’s shaped by the animals they care for and the pride they carry in doing things right.

The family kept their grandfather’s house as their office, where every morning starts with coffee, breakfast, and a game plan. “It’s a reminder of where we came from and why we keep going,” Jacob says.

Being a part of DFA has opened the door to new opportunities and a wider community. From participating in the Young Cooperator program to serving as a delegate for DFA's Mideast Area, Jacob has seen firsthand how a cooperative like DFA strengthens farms like his.

“It gives us the freedom to make the moves we need to make, at the time that works for our operation," he says. Through DFA, he’s found support, advice, and a network of other farmers who share the same commitment to their land, their animals, and their future.

Today, they’re focused on simple, smart improvements that keep the farm moving forward — building their own barns, making their own repairs, and always looking for ways to be more efficient.

"The more efficient you are, the more you can invest back into the farm," Jacob says. That mindset has shaped some of their biggest changes, including embracing artificial insemination breeding when it became clear that finding quality bulls locally was no longer sustainable.

"You either jump on board or fall behind," he says. Thanks to the strong foundation set by their grandparents, and a commitment to continue evolving as they meet challenges, the Goodroe family is making sure that dairy thrives for generations to come.

Every year, they open their barn doors to local fifth-graders, hoping to plant a seed of appreciation for where dairy comes from.

“It's great to be able to share with others the care and the work we put into it all — not just for the cows, but for your whole community,” Jacob says. And for this family, that care is everything. "We want everyone who drinks our milk to taste the pride behind it," he says.

FARM LIFE, UNFILTERED

Meet some of the DFA farmer-owners who have become scroll-stopping content creators.

Our farmer-owners do more than produce high-quality milk — they’re also stepping in front of the camera to bring dairy’s story to life in fresh, authentic ways. In collaboration with our social media team, a growing group of creators are connecting with consumers to showcase the real people behind real dairy.

These videos highlight everything from cutting-edge farm tech to lighthearted takes on viral trends. By partnering with farmerowners to tell their own stories, we’re not just boosting engagement — we’re sharing the real, raw, and often laughable moments of life on a dairy farm.

Emma Andrew-Swarhout

NEWARK, N.Y.

Emma Andrew-Swarhout’s roots on El-VI Farms in Newark, N.Y., have given her a firsthand understanding of the dedication it takes to be a dairy farmer. Using humor and online trends, Emma spills behind-the-scenes knowledge that makes you stop your scroll. She even flaunted a blow-up cow suit at the recent Every Woman’s Marathon, sponsored by MilkPEP.

Stacy Rethman

SENECA, KAN.

Ever had a question about life on the farm? Stacy Rethman has a reel for that! Her love of dairy farming shines through the screen and you never know what you might find on her page. Cannonballs into a pile of cottonseed? Maybe. Cow pick-up lines? You bet. Crazy whipped cream tricks? You get the gist.

Katelin Benkoski MADISON,

GA.

Katelin Benkoski isn’t just a dairy farmer — she’s a passionate advocate for agritourism and her family’s dairy legacy. She offers an inside look at school tours, seasonal events, and programs like Adopt-A-Cow that bridge the gap between consumers who enjoy dairy and the farmers who make it possible.

Jamie Brown

BLANCHARD, OKLA.

Also known as Mrs. Milk Man, Jamie Brown married into a third-generation dairy farming family. She shares relatable moments from her life on the farm as a mom of four. While dairy is serious business, Jamie and her husband make time to give a more lighthearted look into what it means to be a DFA farmer-owner.

Josh Snider

LEXINGTON, S.C.

So, this TikTok dancer walks into a barn. It’s Josh Snider. With an audience of 50 milking cows, Josh has perfected some impressive moves. It’s not all dance parties, though. Josh creates content that shows the heart of a dairy farmer — a deep love for his cows, a passion for the land, and a dedication to feeding the world.

Kate Spadgenske

MENHAGA, MINN.

It gets cold up north, but Kate Spadgenske brings you to her family's Minnesota dairy farm from the warmth of your home. With a barn full of adorable calves and a parlor full of milking cows, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy moments for Kate to share — think tail wagging at dinner time and calves in winter coats.

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW?

Know a farmer-owner who isn’t afraid to smile (or dance) for the camera? Let our social media team know!

FROZEN TREATS

across the map

IDAHO

HUCKLEBERRY

This state fruit is sweet and tart, although their true flavor depends on when and where they were picked. It’s a refreshing surprise in every scoop!

While not a widespread flavor, avocado ice cream’s popularity is increasing due to the fruit's creamy texture and mild, nutty taste, which blends well with dairy. It can be found at artisanal ice cream shops throughout the Golden State, especially during peak avocado season. CA CALIFORNIA

AVOCADO

BLUE MOON

This patented Midwestern flavor is shrouded in mystery, rumored to contain everything from Froot Loops® to marshmallows to almond extract. You’ll have to taste it yourself to find out!

MICHIGAN MI

SUPERMAN

This brightly colored treat originated at Stroh’s Brewery in Detroit, Mich., during prohibition when breweries weren’t exactly booming and Stroh’s was looking for ways to stay afloat. It became so popular that the business kept selling it after the prohibition. With no set flavor profile, the only requirement is that iconic superhero color palette of blue, red, and yellow.

Which U.S. state is home to the most unique ice cream flavor?

From local ice cream shops crafting unexpected creations to beloved regional favorites served statewide, we scoured the country to uncover the most inventive, surprising, and downright quirky scoops.

ALASKA AL

FIREWEED

Delicate, floral, and boldly Alaskan — fireweed ice cream captures the essence of summer in the far North. Made from the bright pink petals of the fireweed plant, (one of the first plants to bloom after wildfires), it’s lightly sweet with a hint of honey and herbs.

NEBRASKA NE

BUTTER BRICKLE

A true Nebraska legend, this flavor was born in Omaha nearly 100 years ago when curious chefs mixed crunchy toffee candy into vanilla ice cream to create the nowiconic flavor. It quickly became a regional favorite and remains a nostalgic treat with local shops still honoring its sweet legacy.

COLORADO CO

ROOT BEER FLOAT

The root beer float (also called a Black Cow) was invented here in 1893, inspired by the snowy peaks of Cow Mountain.

KANSAS KS

BURNT ENDS BARBECUE

Kansans are serious about their barbecue. So much so, that a local ice cream shop puts it on a cone. Sweet cream ice cream, barbecue sauce, candied burnt ends, and caramel — would you try it? The flavor is a limited-time offering but has been popular enough to return to the shop's menu periodically.

BUCKEYE

(CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER) OH

The acorn-looking state plant might not make the tastiest ice cream flavor, so Ohioans get creative while still showing their state pride. OHIO

RHODE ISLAND RI

COFFEE MILK

A blended mixture of coffee ice cream, milk, and coffee syrup — this indulgent treat is the state drink of Rhode Island.

PENNSYLVANIA PA

PURPLE COW FLOAT

Much like the Black Cow from Colorado, the Purple Cow features grape soda, and is a tasty, bubbly ice cream treat from the East Coast! See the recipe on page 4 to make your own.

GEORGIA GA

COLLARD GREENS

Who says you have to eat your greens before dessert? Why not with dessert? This unique flavor tames the bitterness of collard greens with a creamy sweet twist.

Old Bay seasoning is synonymous with Maryland cuisine and seafood culture. Local ice cream shops have even taken to swirling it into ice cream. It can be tricky to find this uncommon indulgence outside of the region, but it’s easy enough to sprinkle some seasoning on top of your next bowl of vanilla ice cream to try for yourself.

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