From virtual gaming arenas to dairy treats, Midwest Dairy is finding innovative ways to connect with Gen Z on college campuses —building trust and sparking curiosity about where dairy comes from and how it fits into their everyday lives.
K-State Esports Team Swaps Screens for a Farm Tour
This spring, the Kansas State University Esports team left their consoles behind and headed out to Ohlde Family Farms, just north of Manhattan, Kansas, for a unique farm tour experience with Midwest Dairy.
Despite the chilly weather, the team was all smiles and full of questions as they stepped into farm life for the very first time. When asked, “Have you ever visited a dairy farm before?” not a single hand went up —a moment that underscored the value of firsthand experience.
The students toured the facilities, learned about cow care, and watched the milking process up close. They left with a deeper understanding of how milk moves from farm to fridge and a greater appreciation for the farmers behind it all. Survey results showed a 56% increase in agreement with the statement: “Dairy products come from cows that are treated humanely.”
The K-State Esports team later shared their farm tour highlights on Instagram via a post and reel, which has already earned more than 1,800 views, helping extend the impact far beyond the barn.
UNL Students Build Dairy Trust One Scoop at a Time
In early May, Midwest Dairy joined students, staff, and faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) for the annual College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) Appreciation Event, held at the UNL Dairy Store.
The event featured a lively two-hour ice cream social, but the focus was on building trust with Gen Z through peer-led engagement. Two Nebraska Dairy Ambassadors led the effort, using a spin wheel quiz to spark fun, informative conversations about dairy.
These peer-to-peer connections helped break down myths, answer questions, and reinforce dairy’s relevance in students’ lives, from nutrition to sustainability. Whether it’s a farm tour with gamers or a campus ice cream event with student ambassadors, these efforts create authentic moments that connect Gen Z to the people, process, and passion behind dairy. Trust grows best when it starts with real experiences… and maybe a scoop of ice cream!