The hard work of U.S. dairy producers delivers nutritious, sustainably produced foods that nourish people worldwide.  

When you sit down to a hearty breakfast on this National Agriculture Day, of cheesy scrambled eggs, a buttered biscuit, and a big glass of milk, you may not consciously be thinking about the nutritional qualities dairy is bringing to the meal, but those qualities are present in every meal or snack that utilizes dairy products. The dairy industry contributes to our nation’s – and world’s – health and wellness every single day.

Today, and every day, at the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), we are honored to serve U.S. dairy farmers by uniting them with dairy processors, cooperatives, and exporters. USDEC helps keep the U.S. dairy marketplace aligned and connected, ensuring the value created in overseas markets benefits U.S. communities, processors, and farmers.

We know that producing dairy products is a tremendous job, and we share the message of U.S. dairy producers’ work ethic, commitment to sustainability, and the nutritional benefits of the milk they proudly produce.

U.S. dairy producers are not just producing milk—they’re driving a globally competitive export engine, backed by the U.S. national dairy checkoff program.

Dairy nutrition that starts at home
In the United States and many key markets, women are the primary purchasers of both food and dairy products. Family caretakers around the globe recognize the nutritional benefits that dairy provides to their families, especially children and older adults. Adequate dairy intake helps children to achieve peak bone mass, which is reached between the ages of 25 and 30. Dairy also helps fuel active lifestyles and has been linked to improved academic performance and focus.

Dairy is a powerhouse of nutrition, delivering essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, protein, and potassium that support bone growth, muscle development, and overall health. Phosphorus and zinc, also found in dairy, contribute to heart health, immune function, and enamel protection. Growth, vision, and nutrient absorption are promoted by vitamins A, B12, and D, which are abundant in dairy.

Helping U.S. dairy nourish the world
Through our work promoting exports of U.S. dairy products, USDEC is helping U.S. dairy farmers to nourish the world. Our presence in key markets such as East and Southeast Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East ensures that U.S. dairy speaks with one voice overseas, so consumers in those markets know the benefits of dairy and how U.S. dairy farmers produce milk safely and sustainably. The U.S. dairy industry’s commitment to the national dairy checkoff and exports has paid off, resulting in a tenfold increase in dairy exports, reaching 2.32 million metric tons in 2025.

This growth in dairy exports and demand for dairy means more economic opportunities for dairy farm families, allowing the next generation to stay on the farm. That economic value not only helps farm families but also creates jobs in rural America, enabling the rural economy to flourish.

USDEC is proud to support U.S. dairy producers. We will work to continue growing global demand and international confidence for U.S. dairy while communicating dairy’s essential role in a healthy diet to consumers beyond America’s borders.

Sarah Hill is a communications contractor for the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

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The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff. How to republish this post.