Adopt a Cow Program Connects Students with Dairy Farms

By Blake Jackson

Discover Dairy has opened enrollment for its 2026-27 Adopt a Cow program, a free educational initiative that connects students with dairy farming through year-long virtual experiences. Since its launch in 2020, the program has reached more than 9.4 million students worldwide.

Participating classrooms are matched with a calf from a U.S. dairy farm. Throughout the school year, students receive photographs, videos, activities, and educational materials that allow them to follow the calf’s growth while learning about dairy farming and food production.

“We hope to continue building on the momentum of the Adopt a Cow program as we start another school year this month. From elementary teachers who teach science, math and art to pre-schools and nutrition directors, this program is truly building connections between students and the dairy industry as a whole,” shared Brittany Snyder, Dairy Education Program Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation.

“After completing the program, 96 percent of teachers surveyed shared that their students are now knowledgeable about the dairy industry. It’s exciting to see how this program helps students build trust – they learn to trust the care farmers provide to their cows, they trust that the milk they drink is safe, and they trust that dairy farmers are taking great care of our environment and natural resources. Thank you to the partners and the dairy farmers who participate in the program for helping to drive home these lessons and lifelong connections with students.”

The program is available to traditional classrooms, homeschool groups, libraries, cafeterias, and other educational settings. Its curriculum includes hands-on activities and free lesson plans aligned with Common Core standards in areas such as math, reading, and science.

Students can also participate in virtual farmer conversations and online farm tours, giving them opportunities to ask questions and learn directly from dairy producers.

More than 48,000 classrooms and groups joined the program last year, representing all 50 states and 38 countries and reaching more than 2.1 million students.

Early enrollment runs through September 1, 2026. Participants who register by that date receive a printed welcome package featuring an adoption certificate and calf photo. Digital enrollment remains available through January 31, 2027.

For registration, visit https://www.discoverdairy.com/adopt-a-cow/#register.

Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography