What's next for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Inside DFA's seven geographic Areas that keep milk moving
These three employees are shaped by dairy
Meet Elizabeth Shade and Karen Cartier — two leaders who keep milk moving, overseeing two of DFA’s seven Areas as Chief Operating Officers (COOs) of the Central Area and Northeast Area.
Karen Cartier CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, NORTHEAST AREA
DFA is divided into seven geographical Areas: Central, Mideast, Mountain, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Western. They’re strategically based on where our farms and plants are located, making sure milk can be picked up, hauled, and processed without wasting a drop.
Elizabeth grew up on a farm and started at DFA as a Senior Field Representative in 2013. She knows the Central Area inside and out, having overseen milk movement and all aspects of milk marketing — from field staff and dispatch to logistics, accounting, and labs — while supporting our farmer-owners.
“I value the work being done across this Area every day,” Elizabeth says. “What we do only works because of strong teamwork — from farmers to plant employees to haulers to support teams.”
Karen has spent nearly three decades in the agriculture industry, and, prior to her current role, served as Vice President of Operations in DFA’s Northeast Area, where she led communications, legislative affairs, and membership initiatives.
“When everything clicks together, we’re able to move member milk to market smoothly and support our farmers and customers along the way,” Karen says.
The Areas work closely together to balance milk where possible, share best practices and resources, and exchange ideas. And the COOs are constantly looking for ways to ensure their teams have the tools and information to do their jobs well, improve operations, and reduce costs to bring the most value for our farmer-owners.
“A great example is transportation and safety — we’ve been swapping ideas and best practices with other Areas, and putting some of those ideas into action here, and vice versa,” Karen says.
It’s a collaboration mindset. “The goal of working together is to ensure we’re making decisions that are best for the Cooperative overall — not just one location,” Elizabeth says.
ELIZABETH SHADE
Chief Operating Officer
848 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 10 STATES: Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin
KAREN CARTIER
Chief Operating Officer
2,090 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 11 STATES: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia
GARY STUEVE
Chief Operating Officer
200 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 3 STATES: Arizona, California, Nevada
Across the country, DFA’s seven geographic Areas support our farmer-owners and move milk from their farms to consumers down the road and around the world. Each Area reflects the unique needs of its local dairy community while contributing to the strength of the Cooperative as a whole.
SCOTT STEPHENS Chief Operating Officer 727 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 6 STATES: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
BRENT BUNCE Chief Operating Officer 626 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 17 STATES: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
SHAWN OSBORNE
Chief Operating Officer 200 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 8 STATES: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
TIM THEISNER Chief Operating Officer 181 Farms
SPANS ACROSS 5 STATES: Arizona, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas
HEAR THE LATEST COOPERATIVE NEWS
DFA’s Annual Meeting brings farmer-owners together to share what's happening now and where we’re headed. Catch up by watching recordings from the 2026 event.
In January, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act became law, expanding the milk options schools can offer through the National School Lunch Program. Schools can now serve whole, reduced-fat (2%), and low-fat (1%) milk while meeting federal nutrition standards. They must also continue offering at least two milk options daily, flavored or unflavored — giving students more choices to support their health and growth.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
1
Students are more likely to drink milk when they can choose the flavor and type they enjoy.
Getting milk into schools doesn’t just happen by chance — it takes parents, community members, school partners, and all of us working together. Continued support and awareness at the local level can help ensure students have access to nutritious milk options they enjoy. We encourage you to share the positive role dairy plays in school meals whenever opportunities arise within your community.
Together, with our farmer-owners, we’re showing up as One DFA to turn progress into real results by fueling the day for our children while supporting our farm families.
2
Offering a wider variety of options helps encourage nutrient intake while appealing to the diverse tastes and preferences of students.
3
Introducing dairy at a young age helps build healthy habits — and lifelong milk consumers.
DFA is divided into seven geographic Areas to support our farmer-owners and move milk from farm to table.
Test your knowledge and pinpoint each DFA Area.
WIN A PRIZE
Use pages 2–3 to review the map on this page and identify DFA’s Areas. Then scan the QR code to submit your answers and match each numbered question to the number on the map.
The top three participants with the most correct answers will be entered into a digital drawing to win a DFA Store gift card.
The DFA Cares Foundation brings our community support to a national and global scale, providing nourishment and relief efforts to communities near and far. It also provides crucial relief to our farmerowners when disaster strikes.
Thanks to the generosity of employees, farmer - owners, and partners, this is how the funds made a difference in 2025:
$100,000+ in product and monetary donations to food banks and pantries nationwide $86,500 awarded in scholarships to 67 students $35,500 contributed to disaster-relief efforts
Community is one of our core values. One way DFA fosters community is through employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary groups that help support and uplift your colleagues and local communities.
Become a part of local initiatives and giveback events, while also meeting colleagues from across the Cooperative, by joining an ERG. Join as many as you’d like!
Across the Cooperative, we have hundreds — if not thousands — of employees who got their start on a dairy farm. Each has a unique story, often shaped by generations of family history. Those roots connect us and remind us why our work carries such deep meaning.
The best part about my job is the variety. No two days are exactly the same, and multitasking is part of the job.
Kris Boob
ROLE: MASTER TECHNICIAN
LOCATION: DFA PLANT IN HUMMELSTOWN, PA. YEARS AT DFA: 27
DAIRY DNA:
Born: Lewisburg, Pa.
Farm story : A small multi-generation family dairy farm that began with Kris’ grandfather and remains in the family today, now growing crops after the dairy chapter came to a close in 2008.
ROLE AT DFA:
Known as one of the plant's "tank guys," he adds enzymes and ingredients to make cheese, sets cooking parameters, manages heat, runs clean-in-place, and keeps multiple processes moving at once.
MINI DAIRY MOMENT:
Moving from farm life to dairy processing felt surreal at first. While farming wasn’t something he wanted to be tied to long-term — especially working with animals — the discipline and responsibility it required laid the foundation for his career in manufacturing.
LIFE BEYOND THE PLANT:
Kris and his wife have two sons — one currently serves in the U.S. Army and the other is still at home and working.
FAVORITE DAIRY PRODUCT: Milk
A LEGACY OF FRESHNESS, FAMILY, AND FARMER-OWNED PRIDE
This year marks a big milestone: Meadow Gold® Dairy celebrates 125 years in business. For generations, the brand has been a Mountain West staple — real dairy made with care from local family farms. In 2026, we’re celebrating not just an anniversary, but the people behind it: the DFA employees who keep production moving and the farmer-owners whose milk — and investment — power the Meadow Gold Dairy legacy across Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and beyond.
1893
Dairy pioneers George E. Haskell and William W. Bosworth begin building one of the nation's early dairy enterprises.
1905
The Continental Creamery Company and its Meadow Gold brand become part of the Beatrice Creamery Company, expanding across the Midwest.
The Continental Creamery Company of Topeka, Kan., is granted the Meadow Gold trademark by the U.S. Patent Office. The name is chosen by employees to reflect the golden quality of fresh butter.
Vanneli Navarrete
ROLE: PRODUCTION SUPPORT SPECIALIST
LOCATION: DFA PLANT IN PORTALES, N.M.
YEARS AT DFA: 10
DAIRY DNA:
Born: Clovis, N.M.
I truly enjoy my job. I love working in SAP and pulling different areas of the system. It’s fascinating to see how other plants operate and function — that’s my favorite part.
Don Richman
ROLE: PRODUCTION SCHEDULER
LOCATION: DFA PLANT IN BRIDGETON, N.J.
YEARS AT DFA: 46
DAIRY DNA:
Born: Mannington Township, N.J.
Farm name: Richman Dairy
Farm story : Vanneli was introduced to dairy through her mom, who worked on dairy farms handling payroll, supporting veterinary care, and milking cows.
ROLE AT DFA:
Vanneli supports plant operations through tracking inventory, assisting with implementation, and helping other plants when support is needed — whether remotely or on the floor. Her role also includes tracking samples for butterfat and milk solids when trucks are loaded.
MINI DAIRY MOMENT:
Seeing milk tested on the farm as a child — and now tracking quality and inventory through SAP — gives Vanneli a full-circle view of the dairy process, from cow care to finished product.
LIFE BEYOND THE PLANT:
Family comes first. Vanneli is a mom to two kids, Dasael, 8, and Kashlynn, 6. She enjoys visiting her mom at the dairy farm to share with her kids where her story began.
FAVORITE DAIRY PRODUCT: Sour cream
1923
The company opens its first fluid milk plant in Denver, Colo., reflecting the growing demand for fresh milk.
1907
Meadow Gold's first ice cream plant opens in Topeka, Kan.
I like working with people and solving new challenges every day to keep customers satisfied.
Farm story : A multi-generation family dairy where hard work started before sunrise and values were passed down alongside the herd.
ROLE AT DFA:
Orders ingredients, translates warehouse needs into a daily production schedule, and helps keep the plant running efficiently.
MINI DAIRY MOMENT:
Don started at Cumberland Dairy in Bridgeton, N.J., in 1980 — the same year his family sold their cows and converted their farm operations to corn and soybeans. DFA acquired Cumberland Dairy in 2018. His job at the plant exposed him to the opportunity to work on the other side of the dairy business, giving him a full-picture understanding from farm to plant. He still lives on the farm with other family members nearby.
LIFE BEYOND THE PLANT:
Don has three adult children and two adopted sons who keep him young. After work, he spends many afternoons coaching youth sports and enjoys spending time with his grandsons.
FAVORITE DAIRY PRODUCT: Ice cream (any flavor)
oBy the mid-20th century, Meadow Gold is a household name, known for milk, butter, ice cream, and frozen treats.
1940s Meadow Gold introduces refrigerated milk trucks, replacing horse-drawn wagons, accelerating home milk delivery across communities.
1997
Meadow Gold Dairies is acquired by Southern Food Group.
2026
Meadow Gold® Dairy celebrates its 125th anniversary, honoring generations of DFA employees and farmer- owners.
Today
Meadow Gold® Dairy is a 100% farmer- owned brand of DFA, serving families across the Mountain West with milk, cream, cultured products, ice cream, and frozen treats.
o> DFA is innovating. See how we’re keeping hold of the protein category, one product at a time.
MULU™ is the new cottage cheese built for those who demand even more from their dairy products. With 18 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of sugar, MULU takes the cottage cheese comeback to the next level. It’s a smarter spin on a classic, combining nutrition, innovation, and more protein than ever. Learn more at muluprotein.com .
EXPLORE THE PARLOR HUB
The Honest Cow™ is a clean - label cottage cheese made for consumers who pay attention to what’s inside the cup. With 15 grams of protein and simple ingredients, The Honest Cow is designed for health - focused, trend - aware shoppers looking for nutrition they can trust. It's launching with a limited release at Costco in Florida with plans to expand throughout the year.
18 GRAMS OF PROTEIN per serving
LESS THAN 1 GRAM of sugar
AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE at Walmart
PRODUCED IN Farmington, Minn.
15 GRAMS OF PROTEIN per serving
CLEAN LABEL with simple ingrediets
PRODUCED IN Schuylkill Haven, Pa.
Kemps® Protein+™ delivers a punchedup version of milk’s already impressive nutrition. With 13 grams of protein per serving — 50% more than regular milk and half the sugar — this lactose - free ultrafiltered milk offers a rich, creamy texture perfect for everyday drinking. Kemps Protein+ brings added protein and reduced sugar to a brand that consumers in the Upper Midwest already know and trust.
Alta Dena® Protein and Meadow Gold® Protein are DFA's newest regional milk innovations. Each 8 - ounce serving delivers 15 grams of real dairy protein, providing 87% more protein than regular milk and 30% of the Daily Value serving in a single glass. Both are available in whole and 2% varieties. Alta Dena's product is lactose-free, providing an easy, familiar way to get more protein from everyday milk.
13 GRAMS OF PROTEIN
50% LESS SUGAR
LACTOSE FREE
PRODUCED IN Cedar City, Utah
15 GRAMS OF REAL DAIRY PROTEIN per serving per serving
BOTH ARE AVAILABLE than skim milk in fresh whole and 2% varieties
MEADOW GOLD® PROTEIN IS PRODUCED IN for easier digestion
Salt Lake City, Utah
ALTA DENA® PROTEIN IS PRODUCED IN City of Industry, Calif.
From employee benefits to Total Rewards statements, The Parlor HUB is a one-stop-shop for answers to your human resources questions, completing tasks, viewing your pay information, accessing our Employee Assistance Program, and much more!
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Behind every dairy favorite is a team that makes it possible. Our farmer-owners start the journey, and our employees bring it to life — sharing their love for dairy and the products that mean the most to them.
Senior Manager, Member Services Salt Lake City, Utah
Favorite part about his role:
I love working with our farmer-owners and helping my team grow and find ways to make our farmers successful while looking forward to the future.
Favorite dairy product: Ice cream, of course!
Laboratory Manager Kansas City, Mo.
Favorite part about her role:
I get to work closely with dairy farmers, sharing feedback they can use to improve herd health, milking practices, and milk quality. Over time, it becomes a trusted partnership focused on keeping milk clean and safe.
Favorite dairy product: Chive cottage cheese or a simple cold-almost-frozen glass of milk.
Transport Driver Amsterdam, N.Y.
Favorite part about his role:
Coming to work in a pleasant atmosphere and working with friendly people. I enjoy driving because I am outdoors and I get to meet a lot of new people.
Favorite dairy product: Garelick Farms® half and half
Supply Quality Director Lexington, Ky.
Favorite part about her role:
I get to play an important role in keeping food safe by applying my science background to real-world challenges. I assess food safety systems, strengthen supplier quality through risk evaluation and verification, and gain exposure to diverse manufacturing processes. It truly brings together the best of both worlds.
Favorite dairy product: Queso fresco
<<EMPLOYEE
What started as National Milk Month in 1937 has expanded to National Dairy Month — known around here as June Dairy Month — due to the countless innovations made toward the dairy industry.
From enjoying a cold glass of milk, to cooking up a grilled cheese, or grabbing a yogurt on the go, dairy is available in so many nutritious and delicious forms.
We celebrated everything dairy has to offer — and the people who make it possible — this month and every month.
Thank you for showing your passion for dairy by sharing pictures with your favorite products.
