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.
