Behind every glass of milk is a story of care—care for the land, the animals, and the people who show up, day in and day out. For Dr. Michelle Schack, a large animal veterinarian affectionately known online as “The Dairy Doc,” that story is one she helps write every day.
Dr. Schack is the co-founder of DairyKind, a company committed to practical, science-backed training with a powerful message: compassion is critical to the success of modern dairy farms. Whether working alongside farm teams or educating thousands through her social media platforms, Michelle is an Ag InnovatHER, bringing heart, humanity, and kindness to the forefront of animal care.
Michelle’s passion for her work is infectious—and so is her curiosity. When asked what superpower she’d choose if granted one wish, her answer is equal parts heartwarming and practical: “I’d wish to speak every language—human and animal. I’d love to speak cow, too! I have so many questions I’d ask them!”
Whether working through complicated health cases or supporting farm employees through training, that spirit of communication runs deep. Her company, DairyKind, explores the critical connection between human well-being and animal care.
Follow Along on Dr. Michelle’s Journey
Beyond her boots-on-the-ground work in animal health, Michelle invites the world into her day-to-day life as a dairy vet through social media. You’ll find her sharing thoughtful posts on cow care, behind-the-scenes videos of her farm visits, or just a dose of positivity and humor.
- @DairyDoc on TikTok
- @Dairy.Doc on Instagram
- @Dairy Doc on Facebook
- @Dairy_Doc on YouTube
Meet Michelle: 20 Questions with The Dairy Doc!
1. What do you find most rewarding about being a dairy farmer?
As a dairy veterinarian, the most rewarding part is knowing that the work I do every day directly impacts the well-being of animals, the success of farmers, and the quality of food on people’s tables.
2. What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between those who produce food and those who consume it, which I try to do with my social platforms online and through public speaking. There are so many misconceptions; it takes patience and communication to connect those dots.
3. Why is being a part of the dairy industry meaningful to you?
It’s meaningful because it’s a community built on care: care for animals, care for land, and care for people. I didn’t grow up in agriculture: I chose to be here. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply dairy farmers and employees value what they do, and I’m proud to support that through education, compassion, and science.
4. What is something you would like people to know about dairy farming / the dairy industry?
It’s not the factory-style system people might imagine. Just because they don’t see lush pastures and a red barn doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s families, teams, and communities waking up early, working hard, and making thoughtful decisions every day for their cows and their land. Technology might seem scary, but it helps provide better care for cows and employees. Modern dairy farms are built around cow health and cow comfort. It’s far more personal and complex than most people realize.
5. What does National Dairy Month mean to you?
It’s a time to celebrate the people, cows, and communities behind one of the most nourishing foods on the planet. It’s also a reminder to keep telling our story with honesty and pride, because if we don’t, someone else will.
6. What is your favorite fruit or vegetable? (Or favorite food, in general.)
I always love a warm chocolate chip cookie straight from the oven with a glass of cold milk.
7. What is your favorite recipe?
My family has a chocolate chip cookie recipe that my mom found and passed down to my generation, and we are now passing it down to the next generation. It’s always a hit at parties and is my go-to food to bring for a potluck. Everyone always asks what the secret is. I’ll tell you…The secret is a lot of butter!
8. You’re making chili: Beans or NO beans?
Beans, definitely, all the beans! My husband enters a chili-making competition at his work every year, and I love being the taste tester. I don’t love super spicy, so I usually add a big dollop of sour cream to cool it down.
9. Coffee, Tea, or Something else? (And how do you fix the perfect cup of that?) [Product recs appreciated but not required!]
I don’t drink coffee or tea, but I love a warm cup of hot chocolate, especially when I’m drinking it with my kids. We make it with whole milk (of course!) and always top it with whipped cream.
10. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
The first thing I do is check my social media in my @DairyDoc world. I try to look at all new comments, questions, and messages. I love connecting with people about cows, and don’t. Then I grab my Oats Overnight that I made the night before with a cup of cold milk from the fridge and get the day rolling!
11. What’s your favorite book (or) movie (or) record (or) podcast?
I wake up around 3 a.m. and have long drives to dairy farms, so I listen to podcasts to pass the time. My favorite dairy podcast is The Dairyland Initiative Podcast because they explain important dairy cattle well-being topics clearly. For something different, I like Stuff You Should Know because it breaks down random everyday topics in a fun way.
12. What is your favorite holiday? Do you associate any family traditions related to it that you’d like to share?
Halloween! I love the creativity, the costumes, and the chance to be anything you want to be. Growing up, we always picked costumes that you couldn’t buy in the store, and we had to make ourselves. I love passing that tradition on to my kids.
13. What’s your go-to item or clothing right now (or) your wardrobe staple? [Product recs appreciated but not required!]
At work, I always wear Tingley overboots. I love them because they’re super easy to slip on and off, which makes cleaning between farm visits so simple. Plus, I’m on my feet all day, so I wear my supportive athletic shoes underneath. These overboots fit perfectly over them and keep me comfortable and clean.
14. Who is the first person you think to call when something good happens?
My husband—he’s my cheerleader, reality check, and comic relief all in one.
15. What’s an interesting fact you think everyone should know?
More than 80% of what dairy cows eat can’t be eaten by humans! Byproducts like almond hulls, citrus pulp, and spent grains would otherwise go to waste, but cows turn them into something valuable: milk. At the same time, nearly 40% of all food in the U.S. is lost or wasted. Dairy cows help close that loop by upcycling leftovers into nutrition, reducing waste, and supporting a more sustainable food system.
16. What is something new you are currently learning (or) want to learn more about?
I’m diving into the connection between human well-being and animal care on farms. Through my dairy education company, DairyKind, we are learning how supporting people helps them care better for cows. It’s a game changer for sustainability.
17. What would you choose if a genie granted you one wish/superpower?
I’d wish to speak every language, both human and animal. I work with people from all over the world, and I make a real effort to connect with them in their native languages because I believe communication builds trust, especially when you’re working together in the dairy industry. If I could speak every language, I could help everyone better understand the impact they have. And honestly, I’d love to speak cow, too! I have so many questions I’d ask them!
18. What is your best quality or hidden talent?
I think my hidden talent is thoughtful planning. I love getting things organized in a way that makes life easier for everyone else. Whether it’s building out a storyboard for a training video or planning every detail of a family trip to Disney, I’m the one behind the scenes, making sure things run smoothly so people can show up and enjoy the moment.
19. If you won the lottery, what is the very first thing you’d buy with the winnings?
Truthfully, the first thing I’d do is pay off my student loans. After that, I’d love to buy a vacation home where my family and I can relax and recharge together.
20. What’s something at the top of your Bucket List?
Visiting New Zealand to tour their dairy farms and learn how they do things differently. Plus it just seems like such a beautiful place to take my family and have some good adventures.
Everybody Eats
At the heart of every meal is a story—a tale of dedication, nurture, and the enduring spirit of those who tend the land. Everybody Eats is the place where the narratives of food and agriculture converge. In partnership with FarmHer, we meet courageous women who embody not just the power of nurturing but also the strength of leading in transforming our food systems. They are the unsung heroes, educators, and compassionate souls who have relentless commitment and extraordinary care embedded in cultivating our food. Feed your curiosity, nourish your understanding, and grow your appreciation for the stewards who make sure that Everybody Eats.
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