To Whom it May Concern:
It does not bother me if you choose an alternative to milk at breakfast. It does not hurt my feelings if you decide not to add cheese to your burger. I will not be offended if you desire something other than ice cream for dessert. I will not ask you to buy a single gallon of milk.
How can a fourth generation dairy farmer, who has dedicated his life to the dairy industry, say something so ludicrous?
Because there are three things that matter so much more: trust, faith, and respect.
My desire is that you will allow us to earn your trust. A trust that knows that through all the variables of the world, the dairy products in your home are one of the safest, most wholesome, and most nutritious products available today.
The faith that we, as educated men and women, work tirelessly alongside educated veterinarians, nutritionists, and agronomists to ensure that the welfare of our animals and the health of our land are being improved upon with each and every passing day.
And after that I hope that you will allow us to gain your respect, the respect that is cultivated by our actions and not words alone. The respect that is earned by open communication about how and where your food comes from, and the respect that takes pride in the fact that the United States of America is home to some of the smartest, most capable dairy producers in the world.
In a world of uncertainty and misdirection, my hope for you is that at the end of the day, you cannot only rest assured that your U.S. dairy products are safe, but that you may also take pride in where your food comes from and how it was produced.
So if you have any questions, concerns or recommendations about the dairy industry, may this be your invitation to ask a dairy farmer.
Love,
Your Local Dairy Farmer
Tyler Ribeiro is a fourth-generation dairy farmer born and raised in California. He is currently partners with his father at Rib-Arrow Dairy in Tulare where they proudly ship their milk to Land O’Lakes. Tyler is actively involved in the dairy industry, holding leadership roles in various organizations locally and across the United States.