Midwest Dairy supports dairy farmers, dairy groups, and agricultural organizations with Undeniably Dairy Grants that help bring great local dairy promotion ideas to life. These grants help bring dairy to consumers, from on-farm events to local events that attract a global audience. In 2025, Midwest Dairy awarded over $355,000 to 136 grants in total. Learn more about some successful, creative events, supported by Undeniably Dairy Grants, that took place in 2025!
Bohnert Birthing Barn – Calf Corner (Illinois)
Connecting with consumers in urban areas can be challenging, but dairy farmer Tara Bohnert of Bohnert Jerseys was not deterred. She connected with consumers at the Rock Island County Fair, held in a bustling metropolitan area with a population of about 474,000. With support from an Undeniably Dairy grant, Bohnert welcomed visitors of all ages to the The Bohnert Birthing Barn – Calf Corner to see a baby calf be born. In addition to learning about cow and calf care, visitors explored the role dairy farms play in the ecosystem and discovered the nutritional benefits of milk through printed materials, looping videos, and engaging games. This event reached an estimated 10,000 consumers!
Granville RAGBRAI (Iowa)
Each year, thousands of cyclists head to Iowa for the world’s oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event – the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). In 2025, nearly 19,000 cyclists from all 50 states and 20 countries participated, riding 406 miles from western to eastern Iowa. Dairy farmer Christina Zuiderveen of Black Soil Dairy brought dairy to RAGBRAI. Located only three miles from RAGBRAI’s first breakfast stop, it was a natural decision to host a Milk and Cereal Bar to showcase dairy nutrition to athletes and fans. In addition to enjoying a refreshing breakfast, campaign materials highlighted dairy nutrition facts, including that milk hydrates better than water. Zuiderveen connected directly with attendees, sharing her dairy story both in person and in media interviews. This event reached an estimated 15,000 consumers!
June Dairy Month Open House (Kansas)
A fantastic way to celebrate June Dairy Month is by hosting an open house. Ashley Holle of StateLine Dairy used an Undeniably Dairy grant to help promote their on-farm open house, featuring a tour of their robotic dairy. More than 200 visitors attended, some traveling over an hour, to learn about StateLine Dairy’s robotic milking process, feed types, and sustainability practices. They also learned about life on a dairy farm and went home with goody bags with Undeniably Dairy swag and other dairy-related materials.
Roots to Roundtable (Minnesota)
Partnering with other commodities is one unique way to showcase the power of agriculture in local communities. Dairy farmer Jean Annexstad of Annexstad Dairy Farms collaborated with local farms and agriculture groups for a tour and farm-to-table dinner event, inviting 55 community influencers to learn about Nicollet County’s agriculture story. The event kicked off with a welcome from Princess Kay, Rachel Visser. Participants then toured several farms by charter bus, learning about the agriculture industry’s commitment to sustainability and the farming practices that protect their land for future generations.
The event concluded with a farm-to-table dinner prepared by Chef Adam Steward of Gustavus Adolphus College, featuring all locally sourced ingredients. By connecting community influencers directly to local producers, including dairy farmers, this event strengthened trust in agriculture.
Fremont 4-H Pancake Feed and Dairy Show (Nebraska)
In addition to Undeniably Dairy Grants, Midwest Dairy also offers dairy farmers promotional materials through the Promo Center. Jen Hilgenkamp of Hilgenkamp Farms took advantage of both resources to share dairy with attendees of the Fremont 4-H Pancake Feed and Dairy Show. Attendees learned about dairy nutrition, dairy cow breeds, how milk gets from cow to cup, and sustainable farming practices. Attendees also took home coloring
books, Croc charms, cow hats, and other fun materials that helped bring dairy’s story to life! This event reached an estimated 175 consumers.
Dairy Fest (South Dakota)
Dairy Fest is an annual three-day event that brings the community together through conversation and learning opportunities about the dairy industry in a celebratory atmosphere. To help bring it to life, Nicolien Hammink of Hammink Dairy utilized an Undeniably Dairy Grant. This free, family-friendly event educates consumers about the entire dairy industry, from farm to table, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and the wholesome nutrition of dairy. In addition to fun activities like a “Picowsa Art Contest,” farm and plant tours, and kids’ games, Dairy Fest also featured a “Got-Milk Gala.” Key community influencers were invited to the gala, where they interacted with dairy producers and industry representatives while enjoying a delicious dairy-based meal and learning about the industry. This event reached an estimated 1,400 consumers!
An Undeniably Dairy Grant can help bring great dairy promotions, events, and activities to life. Dairy farmers who contribute to the Midwest Dairy checkoff, organized dairy groups, and agriculture organizations in the 10-state region can apply for up to $5,000 in one calendar year. There are three funding cycles per year – March 1, May 1, and Aug. 1. To learn more about Undeniably Dairy Grants, visit www.MidwestDairy.com/UDGrants.