Dairy is a uniquely American industry—rooted in generations of family tradition, community, culture and economic strength. Across all 50 states, dairy is more than a food group—it’s a way of life. From family-run farms and businesses to the jobs and nutrition the industry provides, dairy runs deep in our history, our economy, and our communities. Throughout June Dairy Month, IDFA is celebrating the powerful role dairy plays in shaping American life through the “Dairy Runs Deep” campaign. Through stories, data, and voices from across the country, we are excited to spotlight the multigenerational families, local jobs, strong economies, and nutritious products that make dairy an essential part of who we are as a country.
American Families
Dairy is a legacy business. Dairy businesses from farmers and artisan cheesemakers to major regional brands are family-owned and operated—many for multiple generations. More than 94% of dairy farms in the U.S. are family-owned. For this week of June Dairy Month, we are excited to tell stories of dairy families who pass down values, knowledge, and a commitment to nourishing communities.
American Jobs
From the farm families working 24,000 dairy farms across the country to the men and women who transport milk and dairy products, run processing and facilities, and deliver American dairy products to consumers in the U.S. and around the world, the dairy industry supports more than 3 million U.S. jobs and $198 billion in wages. These are good-paying, local jobs that fuel opportunity in every corner of the country.
Want to learn more about how the dairy industry impacts jobs in your state? Visit IDFA’s Dairy Delivers tool to find out in seconds!
American Communities
Dairy delivers a massive impact—contributing more than $779 billion annually to the U.S. economy. That economic activity stays close to home, powering main streets, supporting small businesses, and helping rural America thrive. Dairy businesses are the lifeblood of American communities, and they share a commitment to giving back to those local communities they operate in.
Through the IDFA Foundation, IDFA supports communities nationwide by advancing the values of the U.S. dairy industry. The Foundation provides grants to individuals and organizations dedicated to improving human health and nutrition, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability, and supporting the well-being of workers in food manufacturing. In FY 2024, the Foundation organized three successful community service events, engaging 120 volunteers and contributing 1,200 total service hours. It also coordinated the donation of 90,000 pounds of nutritious dairy foods and $26,000 in contributions from the Foundation and IDFA members. Together, these efforts helped provide 133,700 meals to individuals in need across the country. To learn more about the IDFA Foundation’s impact and initiatives, visit the website here.
American Culture and Nutrition
Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are nutrient-dense staples of the American diet, and they are central to American culture. Milk and dairy products provide 13 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, as well as better bone health and lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dairy helps our kids grow and develop, and our adults perform and stay healthy through old age. Beyond their health benefits, dairy foods are deeply woven into the social fabric of American life. From cherished family recipes to holiday traditions and everyday comfort foods, dairy connects generations and communities through shared tastes and timeless rituals.
Celebrate June Dairy Month with us!
Please reach out with any questions or if you would like the IDFA team to make adjustments and edits to social media templates to customize it for your company!
Mariah Minnick
Manager, Communications