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Dairy Powers American Families and Communities

Jun 02, 2025
By Farms.com

June Dairy Month Shines Light on Family Farms and Nutrition

This June, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is spotlighting the deep value of dairy through its “Dairy Runs Deep” campaign. Dairy Month honours family farms, nutritious food, local jobs, and economic growth.

Across America, over 94% of dairy farms are family-owned. These multigenerational farms pass down traditions, provide livelihoods, and ensure communities have access to fresh, healthy dairy products.

The dairy industry employs more than 3 million Americans and contributes $198 billion in wages. From production and processing to delivery, dairy fuels job growth in all regions of the country.

Economically, dairy generates $779 billion in activity each year. Through the IDFA Foundation, the industry also supports communities directly.

In 2024, IDFA volunteers logged 1,200 hours across three events, donated $26,000 and 90,000 pounds of dairy, and provided 133,700 meals to people in need.

“Dairy is a uniquely American industry—rooted in generations of family tradition, community, culture and economic strength,” the IDFA stated in its campaign message.

Dairy products provide essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These support bone health, heart health, and growth in children. From morning breakfasts to holiday dishes, dairy is part of the American table.

The IDFA campaign also highlights how dairy links culture and family. Recipes and traditions built around dairy products connect generations and reflect the nation’s shared values.

To see how dairy supports your state, visit IDFA’s “Dairy Delivers” tool or explore their community programs through the IDFA Foundation.


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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Swaminathan Jayaraman, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, explains how integrated data systems can improve disease surveillance in swine production. He discusses combining diagnostics, animal movement data, production records, and spatial analytics to identify risks earlier and support proactive decision-making for PRRS, PED, and swine influenza. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Disease surveillance remains largely reactive because outbreaks are often confirmed only after transmission has already occurred across multiple connected production sites."

Meet the guest: Swaminathan Jayaraman / swamjay is a Graduate Research Assistant at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. With academic training in management information systems and engineering, he focuses on integrating diagnostic, production, and movement data to improve disease surveillance and decision support in swine production systems. Listen to Swaminathan Jayaraman on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.