The Adopt a Cow program, part of Discover Dairy and partnered with The Dairy Alliance, connected over 48,000 classrooms nationwide to real dairy farms for the 2025-26 school year, according to an April 23 announcement. Through this free initiative, students received virtual updates about calves on Virginia farms and learned firsthand about dairy farming.
The program aims to give students an authentic look at where their food comes from while fostering connections between classrooms and farmers. It also provides teachers with new educational opportunities that engage students in agriculture.
Courtney Henderson of Cave Hill Dairy Farm in Botetourt County has served as a host farmer for four years. She said she regularly receives letters and drawings from participating students. “I constantly get letters from students in the mail, which my granddad calls my ‘fan mail,'” Henderson said. “They’re drawing pictures, asking about the calves, and they even sent me birthday cards this year!”
Henderson uses monthly photos and videos to share updates on her farm’s calves—Rosie and Petunia—helping thousands of students follow their growth throughout the school year. She described how rewarding it is when children recognize her in public or ask questions during live virtual chats: “Teachers absolutely love this program,” Henderson said. “It gives them something else to do with the kids, and it really gets them engaged every month. They get to watch them grow and understand how these calves are raised, how we take care of them and what we do to make sure they’re healthy.” After seven months of updates, classes participated in a live chat on April 14 where they could ask Henderson questions directly.
Henderson added that sharing her work through Adopt a Cow has helped her connect not only with her local community but also with people across Virginia: “I’ve loved showcasing what I do here at the farm, sharing my passion for the industry and telling my story in a different way that kids, teachers and parents enjoy. And being able to connect with not only my home community but communities all over the state—that’s been my absolute favorite part.” Registration for next year’s Adopt a Cow program opens in early May.
Virginia Farm Bureau Foundation AGPAC relies on an annual membership fee of $40 for funding according to its official website. The organization promotes agricultural prosperity as part of its mission according to its official website, focusing on enhancing member success through resources that benefit agriculture according to its official website. It operates statewide supporting residents according to its official website and advocates for agriculture within the General Assembly according to its official website. The foundation also partners with companies like Case IH and John Deere so members can save on equipment purchases according to its official website.
Programs like Adopt a Cow reflect ongoing efforts by agricultural organizations across Virginia both to educate youth about farming practices and strengthen ties between producers and communities.
