TROUTVILLE, Va.—Young dairy calves in Virginia have captured the hearts of students throughout the state, sparking touching correspondence, meaningful bonds, and educational experiences that last a lifetime.
During the 2025-26 academic year, more than 48,000 classrooms nationwide took part in Discover Dairy’s Adopt a Cow initiative. Created in collaboration with The Dairy Alliance, this no-cost educational program provides students with an online window into actual dairy operations while teaching them about where nutritious milk products originate.
The initiative has transformed participating farmers—who care for the featured calves—into local celebrities.
Botetourt County’s Courtney Henderson, who operates Cave Hill Dairy Farm, frequently hears children shouting her name when she shops for groceries.
“I receive a steady stream of correspondence from participating students, which my grandfather jokingly refers to as my ‘fan mail,’” Henderson said with amusement. “The children create artwork, inquire about the calves’ wellbeing, and this year they even remembered my birthday with handmade cards!”
Henderson has been involved with the initiative for four consecutive years. Prior to becoming an official host farmer, she was already building relationships with young people through social media posts—sharing everything from reading sessions alongside her cattle to demonstrations of creating Play-Doh using household ingredients like vinegar and milk.
Through her current role in the program, Henderson connects with thousands of students across different age groups and backgrounds. During each academic year, educators and their classes follow Henderson’s operation and their chosen calves via monthly photographs, video content, and developmental updates.
“Since our farm is among the limited number of dairy operations remaining in Virginia, I didn’t anticipate significant participation,” she remembered. “However, I was thrilled to discover how many educational institutions were actively involved and the substantial amount of response I received.”
Throughout this academic year, students tracked the development of their chosen calves, named Rosie and Petunia. Henderson took pleasure in addressing numerous student questions regarding the calves’ nutrition, unique behaviors, individual characteristics, and preferences.
“Educators are enthusiastic about this initiative,” Henderson explained. “It provides them with additional interactive content for their students, generating excitement each month. Students observe the calves’ development while gaining understanding of proper animal care, health maintenance practices, and our daily responsibilities.”
Following seven months of regular updates, students finally met Rosie and Petunia and spoke directly with Henderson during a live online session on April 14—posing questions such as “How many stomach chambers do cattle possess?” and “What activities do calves enjoy?”
Henderson expressed that she has “enjoyed highlighting my farm operations, sharing my enthusiasm for agriculture, and presenting my experiences in an engaging format that appeals to children, teachers, and families. Connecting not only with my local area but with communities throughout the state has been the most rewarding aspect.”
Enrollment for Discovery Dairy’s Adopt a Cow initiative for the 2026-27 school year begins in early May. The program remains free of charge, and educational institutions from all regions may participate.
Additional information about the Adopt a Cow program is available online.
