Undeniably Dairy grants help reach consumers

Across the Midwest, dairy farmers, producer groups and agricultural organizations continue to dream up creative ways to showcase dairy in their communities. Midwest Dairy helps bring many of these ideas to life through its Undeniably Dairy grant program, which supports local outreach and education efforts.

In 2025, the organization committed more than $355,000 in grant funding to 136 projects across our 10‑state region. The supported efforts ranged from farm‑based open houses and county fair exhibits to large‑scale events that drew national and international audiences.

In South Dakota, Nicolein Hammink of Hammink Dairy used her grant to expand the farm’s 3‑day dairy fest celebration. The event gives visitors a hands‑on look at the dairy supply chain, highlighting everything from animal care to sustainability to nutrition. Families enjoyed plant and farm tours, children’s activities and the popular Got Milk gala. Organizers estimate the event connected with roughly 1,400 attendees.

In Illinois, Tara Bohnert of Bohnert Jerseys brought dairy education to East Moline, a metropolitan area of nearly half a million people. At the Rock Island County Fair, her farm hosted the Bohnert Birthing Barn-Calf Corner, where fairgoers could witness a live calf birth and learn about cow and calf care. Educational displays, videos and interactive games helped share the broader story of dairy farming. The exhibit reached an estimated 10,000 visitors.

Iowa dairy farmer Christina Zuiderveen of Black Soil Dairy participated in one of the state’s most iconic events: the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, the world’s oldest and largest recreational bicycle ride. With nearly 19,000 cyclists from all 50 states and 20 countries participating in 2025, her farm’s location was just three miles from RAGBRAI’s first breakfast stop, making it an ideal opportunity to host a milk and cereal bar. Zuiderveen engaged riders and spectators alike, sharing her farm’s story and dairy nutrition facts both face‑to‑face and through media coverage. The effort reached an estimated 15,000 people.

Midwest Dairy reminds applicants that Undeniably Dairy grants function as event sponsorships, not reimbursements. U.S. Department of Agriculture rules prohibit using these funds to buy dairy products for giveaways or to pay premiums for dairy cattle shows. Additional restrictions also apply to the use of checkoff dollars for building or equipment purchases.

Undeniably Dairy funding for 2026 is available in three cycles, with applications due March 1, May 1 and Sept. 1. Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in a single calendar year. For additional information, eligibility requirements and applications, visit https://mwdairy.co/UDGrants26.