Farmology : Farming for You : Dairy Products

Cows

Health Benefit to You | Buy California Grown | Where Is Cows' Milk Produced? | From Farms to Your Family

Health Benefit to You

Milk is naturally rich in calcium, Vitamin D, protein and calcium. Milk is high in calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin and vitamin D, and is a good source of high quality protein and vitamin A. An adequate intake of calcium helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Studies show calcium in dairy products can and in the prevention of hypertension and colon cancer. Visit the Dairy Council of California for specific nutrient quantities.

Buy California Grown

Buying California dairy products supports family owned and operated businesses. Dairy families live on their dairies and are committed to improving the quality of life in their communities. As community partners, dairy families are committed to producing high quality dairy products with a correspondingly high degree of environmental awareness and stewardship.

California dairy farms face some of the most stringent environmental regulation in the nation. In meeting and exceeding these regulations, California dairy farms are establishing a successful track record promoting the stewardship of land and water resources. New dairies must be approved by regional air and water quality agencies to ensure environmental compliance and protection. Additionally, in partnership with state and federal environmental protection agencies, the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (DQAP) was created to promote best management practices and enhance environmental stewardship on dairies throughout the state.

Where Is Cows' Milk Produced? In California | US | The World

In California

Tulare, Merced, Stanislaus, Kings and Kern.

In the United States

California, Wisconsin, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Idaho

In the World

India, United States, China, Russia, Germany

From Farms to Your Family Step 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Step 1: Production Cycle

At about 2 years of age, a dairy cow will give birth to a calf and begin to produce milk. She will produce milk for approximately 10 months and then have a 2 month rest time before she gives birth to her next calf and begins production again. Dairy cows are fed a balanced ration formulated for their production and provided clean, fresh water. Regular veterinary care is provided to keep the dairy cow healthy.

Step 2: Milking

Most dairy farms milk 2 or 3 times each day in milking barns. The cow enters the barn or parlour where the milking equipment is attached to each cow. It takes about 6 - 7 minutes to milk the cow.

Step 3: Processing

Milk is chilled at the dairy and transported in milk trucks for processing.