Midwest Dairy’s partnership with Food Systems of the Future (FOF) has blossomed over the past year. Founded by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, FOF is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with influence across regional, national, and international food landscapes. FOF’s mission is to build resilient food systems and improve access to healthy, nutritious foods that support both human and planetary health.
Recognizing the alignment between FOF’s goals and dairy’s contributions to a sustainable and nourishing food system, Midwest Dairy began its relationship with a casual “coffee ’n conversation” in October 2024.
As the relationship grew, it became clear there was a unique opportunity to deepen the connection by providing Ambassador Cousin with her first in-person experience on a U.S. dairy farm. That visit took place on June 27, when Cousin and her colleagues visited Golden Oaks Farm in Wauconda, Illinois. Led by the farm’s management team, including experts in genetics and sustainability, the tour offered a personal, informative look at dairy’s role in a modern food system.
The group learned how Golden Oaks produces high-quality milk while preserving agricultural integrity in a suburban setting. They saw the farm’s commitment to herd health, comfort, and safety, and discovered how the cows’ diet is primarily sourced from crops grown directly on the farm. The tour highlighted the critical role of genetics in breeding productive Holsteins and the challenges dairy farmers face when implementing sustainable solutions.
The visit marked the beginning of a multi-state, multi-phase initiative by Midwest Dairy to increase demand for nutritious dairy among low-income consumers. The collaboration promises to yield key insights and learnings that will benefit both dairy and the communities it serves. The foundation has been laid, and the growth of this partnership is just getting started, and Midwest Dairy is eager to see where it goes!