Fifth-Generation Dairy FarmHER Watches ‘Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act’ Cross the Finish Line

Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.

CLOVIS, N.M. (RFD NEWS) — A major milestone for dairy farmers became official last week as President Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, marking a policy shift supporters say benefits both dairy farm families and children who rely on school meals for nutrition.

Fifth-generation dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share her experience attending the signing in the Oval Office.

In her interview with RFD NEWS, Vander Dussen reflected on what it was like to stand alongside President Trump during the bill’s signing and described the significance of the moment for dairy producers nationwide. She also shared how meaningful the experience was for her family, as her daughters were also present.

Vander Dussen discussed why the passage of the legislation is seen as a win for dairy farmers and for students who depend on school lunch programs. She also spoke about her opportunity to visit with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and shared her key takeaways from that interaction.

Beyond policy, Vander Dussen highlighted her work with Discover Ag, a platform that offers a fresh perspective on agriculture by blending farming, trending headlines, and broader cultural conversations. She explained the mission behind the platform, what is ahead in 2026, and shared how things are going on her dairy operation.

Check Out Discover Ag’s episode of Dirt Diaries

Dirt Diaries EP #19: Digging in with Tara Vander Dussen and Natalie Kovarik of Discover Ag
Related Stories
American dairy producers are no longer subject to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) overregulation.
Pork producers had hoped the Senate farm bill would address the issue.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi discusses the Farm Bill and the issues she expects lawmakers to address as the legislation moves forward.
Early cases of BRD can impact heifer health and future milk production.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

New data tool brings modern, streamlined data access to producers nationwide
Ted Ogle of Superior Livestock says limited supplies still underpin the market despite a slight retreat in cattle prices, but expects volatility to persist into the fall.
The USDA’s September Cattle-on-Feed report shows inventories remain above year-ago levels, while both placements and marketings fell to record lows for the month.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew recaps this week’s Washington fly-in, NFU’s Farm Bill priorities, and the growing economic pressure on producers.
NCGA President Jed Bower discusses the Farm Bill and why year-round E15, making it into the final bill, is critical for corn growers as input costs continue to eat away at margins.
Santa Teresa livestock port reopens September 24, restoring another cattle trade route from Mexico while maintaining new safeguards against New World screwworm.