Dairy Farmers of America

Dairy Farmers of America
Formation	1998
Type	Agricultural cooperative
Headquarters	Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Membership	Over 14,000 dairy farmers
CEO	Rick Smith
Website	www.dfamilk.com

Dairy Farmers of America[edit | edit source]

The Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is an agricultural cooperative based in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It was formed in 1998 and is owned and operated by over 14,000 dairy farmers across the country. DFA is one of the largest milk marketing cooperatives in the United States.

History[edit | edit source]

DFA was established in 1998 through the merger of four regional dairy cooperatives: Mid-America Dairymen, Farmland Industries, Associated Milk Producers Inc., and Western Dairymen Cooperative. The merger aimed to create a stronger and more efficient organization to represent the interests of dairy farmers and promote the growth of the dairy industry.

Operations[edit | edit source]

DFA operates as a cooperative, meaning that it is owned and controlled by its member dairy farmers. The cooperative provides a wide range of services to its members, including milk marketing, milk processing, and dairy product distribution. DFA also offers various support programs and resources to help its members improve their operations and profitability.

DFA owns and operates numerous dairy processing plants across the United States, where milk is processed into various dairy products such as cheese, butter, yogurt, and ice cream. The cooperative also has partnerships with other dairy companies and retailers to ensure a steady market for its members' milk.

Initiatives and Programs[edit | edit source]

DFA is actively involved in various initiatives and programs to support the dairy industry and promote sustainable farming practices. Some of these initiatives include:

Farm to Table Program: DFA promotes the Farm to Table concept, which emphasizes the importance of locally sourced and sustainable dairy products. The program aims to educate consumers about the benefits of choosing dairy products from local farms.

Dairy Sustainability Alliance: DFA is a founding member of the Dairy Sustainability Alliance, a collaborative effort among dairy industry stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming.

Young Cooperator Program: DFA offers a Young Cooperator Program to encourage and support the next generation of dairy farmers. The program provides educational opportunities, mentorship, and networking events for young farmers.