Fountain, MN – October 12, 2026 – Most Americans enjoy dairy foods, but few have ever stepped onto a dairy farm. When they search for images of modern dairy farming, what they find doesn’t reflect the people doing the work—people running businesses, using data and technology, caring for animals and natural resources, managing teams, solving problems and planning for the next generation. There is much more behind the title “dairy farmer” than most people ever get to see.
That’s exactly why Margaret Johnson opened up Trailside Holsteins to be featured in Portraits of Modern Dairy – a national Dairy Management Inc. checkoff initiative created to change that picture, literally.
Before 6 a.m., Johnson is already making the kinds of decisions that shape the food on American tables.
Every decision requires balancing many factors, all while caring for animals and resources. Each morning, Johnson and the Trailside Holsteins team use their knowledge to make decisions that keep the operation running smoothly.
On National Farmer’s Day, October 12, during the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer, Portraits of Modern Dairy launches to change exactly that. The initiative features seven women across six U.S. dairy farms, including Johnson. Through photography, film, and storytelling, her portrait reveals Johnson as a whole person: business leader and problem-solver, innovator and animal caretaker—and the relationships, decisions, and everyday moments that define her work.
“When people see the images of our family and farm, I hope two things come clearly,” says Margaret. “I want them to see commitment and family. Raising my kids on our farm means everything to me,” Margaret says. “It’s having a different level of responsibility that they wouldn’t otherwise have. I think one of the things I wish people understood more is that dairy farmers have educations, and many of us had other options and opportunities,” Margaret says. “We chose to be dairy farmers.”
The complete stories, photography, and video are available on USDairy.com/Portraits. A curated selection of images is available free through Unsplash to help authentic representations of U.S. dairy farmers reach journalists, educators and content creators.
To learn more:
- View Margaret Johnson’s portrait and story
- Explore Portraits of Modern Dairy
- Access photography on Unsplash
Midwest Dairy® represents 3,600 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.