In this episode of Dirt and Bull, the team sits down with Tara Vander Dussen, an environmental scientist and fifth-generation dairy farmer, to tackle one of the most misunderstood corners of agriculture: dairy and sustainability.

Tara has built her career not just on the farm, but also on bridging the communication gap between producers and consumers. From the outside, agriculture can feel like a closed door. For Tara, the key has been transparency—inviting people to see the realities of dairy production and showing how environmental stewardship is baked into the future of farming.

She breaks down how dairy farms manage resources like water and manure, and why those practices are central to sustainability. Tara also shares how consumer demand for transparency is shaping the way farmers tell their stories, pushing agriculture to evolve not just in practice but in communication.

The episode dives into the power of social media and advocacy, where farmers are finding ways to meet people where they are. Tara explains why building trust isn’t about perfection—it’s about honesty, accountability, and showing progress over time.

Whether you’re in the dairy business, working in ag sustainability, or just curious about how your food is produced, this conversation brings a grounded look at what it means to farm responsibly today. Tara’s insights remind us that agriculture’s future depends not just on science and technology, but also on the willingness to share the story behind every gallon of milk.

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