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
A Ninth Circuit ruling says federal sovereign immunity does not automatically bar ranchers from enforcing state-adjudicated water rights.
State wildlife officials cite population and health concerns in the temporary suspension.
CoBank research shows that higher butterfat and protein levels can add hundreds of dollars per cow in dairy revenue as milk components become more important to profitability.
USDA forecasts wide price differences across grocery categories in 2026.

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:

Fred Nichols explains how crop residue can provide valuable nutrients and help protect soil, but farmers need to consider how to make those nutrients available for the next crop.
Paul Mitchell of Imogene Ingredients says a recent University of Nebraska feedlot trial found Farmatan improved cattle weight and feed efficiency and reduced liver abscesses versus controls.
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order to lower diesel costs, including expanding access to tax-exempt dyed diesel as farmers face high harvest fuel prices.
Ohio’s 90-day fuel-tax suspension provides temporary relief as farmers work through harvest, but Ohio Farm Bureau President Brad Bales says longer-term solutions are needed to address higher production costs.
Winning bids averaged about $1.3 million as demand for 2027 grain rail capacity increased.
Rising Treasury yields could keep farm borrowing costs elevated heading into 2027.