Adopt a Cow Connects Classrooms to Dairy Farms

For many students, learning about agriculture means reading a textbook or watching a video. The Adopt a Cow program is changing that by giving classrooms the opportunity to follow the life of a real dairy calf while connecting directly with the farm families raising them.

Offered through a partnership between Midwest Dairy and Discover Dairy, the free educational program gives teachers a unique way to introduce students to modern dairy farming. Throughout the school year, classrooms receive updates on their adopted calf, including photos, videos, and growth milestones, while also participating in virtual visits with dairy farmers. These interactions allow students to ask questions about animal care, nutrition, farm technology, and how milk gets from the farm to the grocery store.

The program continues to grow as more educators look for engaging, hands-on learning opportunities. During the 2025-2026 school year, more than 162,000 students and over 5,300 educators across the Midwest Dairy region participated in Adopt a Cow, demonstrating a growing interest in helping young people better understand agriculture and food production.

Among the farms participating is Takes Dairy in Iowa, where students can see firsthand the daily commitment that goes into caring for dairy cattle. By opening their farm to virtual visitors, dairy farm families help create meaningful connections that many students may not otherwise have with agriculture.

While the lessons begin with a calf, the impact extends far beyond the classroom. Programs like Adopt a Cow encourage curiosity, answer questions about modern farming, and help build confidence in the people who produce nutritious dairy foods. As the connection between consumers and agriculture continues to evolve, these experiences provide an important opportunity to share the story of dairy, one classroom at a time.