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
New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision overturning a prior Tax Court decision on self-employment tax for limited partners, the ruling’s impact on farmers, and potential next steps in Congress.

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:

Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold provides insights on supporting aging populations in rural communities on this week’s Rural Health Matters segment.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.