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
Molly Ball joins us to talk about the upcoming FFA Convention & Expo and dish about the latest episode of “Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.”
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
FarmHER Christina Woerner McInnis joined us to discuss the next episode of “FarmHER + RanchHER” and her decision to run for Alabama Ag Commissioner.
FarmHER Laura Adams raises cattle in Georgia, overcoming family tragedy with the help of Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy.
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
Sergio Bortolozzo, President of the Brazilian Rural Society, discusses the importance of global collaboration and innovation in empowering women in the agricultural sector.

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:

Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Securing Critical Water Resources for South Texas Agriculture
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney says farmers there are already sounding the alarm about what this could mean for the future of ag research.
Global pork production is expected to rise in the first half of 2026, despite trade volatility stemming from shifting import policies and swine disease pressures.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.