Oregon Dairy Farmers Association

06/10/2026

June is Dairy Month!

This month, we celebrate Oregon’s dairy producers and the important role they play in feeding our communities, caring for their animals, supporting local jobs, and contributing to Oregon agriculture.

Thank you to the farm families and dairy producers who work every day to keep Oregon dairy strong.

06/10/2026

Local leaders and public decision-makers from across the region got a firsthand look at dairy farming in Tillamook County as part of the Tillamook Working Lands & Water Cooperative’s “It’s About the Water” tour.

The first stop was Martin Dairy LLC, a family-owned and operated farm since 1906. Attendees heard from Dr. Kate Lott, Director of Farm Engagement at Tillamook County Creamery Association, about animal care and food safety, and saw how the Martin family is integrating technology with generations of stewardship.

ODA’s Armando Macias and Connie Landis were also on hand to walk through Oregon’s CAFO water quality program, one of the strongest in the nation, and explain how the state’s permitting framework protects water quality.

ODFA Executive Director Tami Kerr spoke directly with attendees about IP 28, the proposed ballot initiative that would criminalize animal agriculture in Oregon, and what is at stake for Oregon farmers, ranchers, food production, and rural communities.

These are the conversations that matter: bringing leaders onto real farms, connecting policy to people, and showing what Oregon dairy families do every day.

04/22/2026

99.2% compliance.

That’s the result of routine CAFO inspections across Oregon in 2025—a reflection of the commitment farmers demonstrate in protecting the environment every day.

The CAFO program is designed to protect water and soil health through clear standards, regular inspections, and responsible on-farm practices. In Oregon, it’s been in place for decades and continues to deliver strong results.

On Earth Day, it’s a reminder that environmental stewardship on dairy farms is measured, verified, and part of daily operations.
🌱🐄

04/22/2026

Oregon Dairy Women & ODFA Scholarship Applications Close May 1
If you or someone you know is pursuing higher education, don't let this deadline slip by. Oregon Dairy Women and the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association are accepting scholarship applications through May 1, 2026.

Available awards:

Oregon Dairy Women — $3,000 scholarship for 4-year college/university students
Oregon Dairy Women — $1,000 scholarship for 2-year community college students
ODFA — $1,500 scholarship for sons and daughters of Oregon dairy producers attending a 4-year college/university, trade school, or community college

For more information and to apply, visit oregondairywomen.com.

02/13/2026

Today was Dairy Day at the Capitol!

A big thank you to the incredible students from the Tillamook FFA Chapter for personally delivering dairy products to every legislative office in the Capitol building. They did an outstanding job representing FFA, Oregon agriculture, and the dairy community. We are proud of their professionalism, enthusiasm, and leadership.

We’re also grateful to our generous product donors who helped make today possible:

• Tillamook County Creamery Association
• Darigold
• Umpqua Dairy Products, Co.
• Lochmead Dairy
• Oregon Beef Council for the beef jerky

Events like this help share the story of Oregon dairy directly with policymakers while highlighting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Dairy Day a success.

01/14/2026

🥛 Big News for School Nutrition! 🎉

Today President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 into law! This bipartisan legislation allows schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer whole milk and 2% milk again — alongside 1% and fat-free options — giving kids more fluid milk choices that many actually drink. 📚🥛

This change marks the first major update to school milk options in more than a decade and aims to broaden nutrition choices for students while supporting dairy farmers. 🍎🚜

📌 What’s included:
• Whole milk returns to school menus
• 2% reduced-fat milk is now allowed
• Schools can offer flavored or unflavored varieties
• USDA will provide guidance on implementation

12/17/2025

ODFA stands with Oregon’s agricultural educators and students.

A proposal before the Oregon Legislature would eliminate state funding for Oregon FFA, impacting statewide student activities and local ag education programs. FFA plays a vital role in developing future leaders for Oregon agriculture.

We encourage you to review the statement and consider adding your name in support.

Your help is needed!

The Oregon Legislature will be considering changes to the current biennial budget due to budget challenges. The proposal that has been shared would remove all funding for Oregon FFA from the State of Oregon, for both statewide student activities and grants to local agricultural programs for summer contracts.

We have a statement prepared for the Legislative Joint Ways and Means Committee. Please consider signing on using the link below. Follow the link for the letter and to add your name to the petition!

As well, please feel free to share this with others who would support FFA in this effort!

Link:
https://forms.gle/rd3T2t13swo4q8v47

Thank you for your help in demonstrating the state-wide, strong belief in the positive impact FFA and Agricultural Education make in the lives of students and in our schools and communities!

12/16/2025

🥛 Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 Passes

Good news for students, families, and dairy farmers. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 has officially passed, restoring access to whole milk in school meal programs.

This bipartisan legislation recognizes what science has long shown: milk provides essential nutrients that support growth, learning, and overall health. Giving schools the flexibility to offer whole milk helps ensure students have access to nutritious options they enjoy and will actually drink.

Thank you to the lawmakers and advocates who helped move this legislation forward. This is a win for kids, nutrition, and agriculture.

09/22/2025

Last week, ODFA participated in the It’s About the Water Tour, hosted by the Tillamook Working Lands & Waters Cooperative. The two-day event was designed to give local leaders and first-year County Commissioners from across Oregon a deeper understanding of how land use, industry, and natural resource management intersect within coastal watershed systems.

The full-day tour included stops at a dairy farm, a managed forest, and the Trask Hatchery highlighting how local industries work together to protect water quality, support fish and wildlife, and maintain resilient working lands.

Thank you to Martin Dairy LLC for graciously hosting the dairy stop portion of the tour and for sharing their expertise with attendees!

08/25/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 Allan Hanselman Award recipient, Anneka Christiansen of Cascade FFA!

This award recognizes an outstanding young person who is dedicated to their community, actively involved in 4-H or FFA, passionate about Oregon’s dairy industry, and who exhibits dairy animals at the Oregon State Fair. 👏 Way to go Anneka!!

📸 Pictured left to right: Princess Anna, Anneka Christiansen, Allan Hanselman, and Princess Cydney