The Best Grass Fed Dairy Comes from Managed Grazing
Magic happens when dairy cows eat grass.
This is the story of unique farmers who are healing the land, reviving rural towns, and making the world's finest dairy.
It’s time to rethink American dairy.
Not too long ago, it was common to drive through rural America and see small dairy farms dotting the landscape. That reality has all but disappeared as thousands of small dairies go out of business every year.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There’s a unique way of dairy farming called “managed grazing” that has the potential to revive rural communities, restore depleted land, and—best of all—make some of the most delicious dairy products in the world.
America loses
5-10%
of dairy farms each year.
Managed grazing is the way forward.
Managed grazing is the practice of regularly moving cows to fresh grass. The farmer carefully determines when, where, and how cows graze based on factors like pasture growth and cows’ nutrition requirements. This way of farming creates delicious, nutrient-dense milk that creates award-winning cheese, like the Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese in Wisconsin (see video).
But this isn’t just about great cheese—it’s about a future where farmers thrive, the land is healthy, and families have access to pure, wholesome dairy they can trust.
Why managed grazing?
Managed grazing regenerates depleted land. The soil comes alive, better able to capture carbon and filter water for cleaner streams. Birds return, wildlife finds sanctuary, and the cows enjoy diverse, nutrient-dense forage, or feed.
Managed grazing provides not just a livelihood, for farmers, but a more balanced lifestyle—it allows them to care for their land and animals and still make it home in time for dinner. Managed grazing is a win for the land, a win for farmers, and a win for rural communities.
America needs these farmers. Here's how you can support them.
Add these items to your cart.
The best way to support the movement is to buy grass-fed dairy. More demand encourages more farmers to join in.
Enact change at the policy level.
Farmers need high-level support to succeed. Download the fact sheet for policy efforts that will make a meaningful difference.
Get notified of new products, policy wins, and other good grass-fed news
About DGA
DGA is a 501c3 non-profit that has provided more than 750,000 hours of trining to hundreds of dairy graziers across the nation. Founded and led by farmers, DGA partners with universities, community organizations, and federal agencies to create opportunities in dairy grazing.
