Recently, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin has publicized the Dairy Pride Act. This act has the intention of protecting the dairy industry and the integrity of real milk and milk based products. Other products that are simply not part of the dairy industry, such as those made from plants, algae, nuts, and seeds, can no longer be considered "milk," or other common dairy names, like "yogurt," or "cheese" under this act.

The passage of this act has caused some unnecessary controversy. Some people argue that if a product made with soy, almonds, or anything but dairy seems like milk, then it should deserve recognition as milk. To put this into perspective, it's similar to having a daughter, naming her "Sally," and then having three more kids and nicknaming them all "Sally," simply because they kind of look and kind of act like the original Sally. The argument that has been presented has also been heard and deeply considered, but on the opposite end of the spectrum, the point of view of the dairy industry must be heard as well. Wisconsin has a huge dairy industry, and although this act is phenomenal for farmers in the cheese state, it's beneficial for those around the country. These farmers wake up before the sun rises to begin the milking process, and at night, they're often out long after the stars make their first appearance. They work tirelessly and carefully to assure that the milk they're producing, along with other dairy products, is nothing but the best. The work that dairy farmers complete is far from easy, which is why the Dairy Pride Act aims to protect the work of these individuals. For years, milk has referred to the product of a mammal that is rich in fat and protein. So, when other products are considered "milk" but lack the natural nutrients that milk contains, it's belittling to the dairy industry. This act is certainly not trying to eliminate these other products, but rather rename them to something more suiting.

The Dairy Pride Act is important for dairy farmers around the country and simply intends to protect the nutrient rich products this industry produces. Because of this, "milk" produced with products other than dairy can no longer legally be named milk. This act has no intention to ruin one industry, but rather protect the tireless, honest, and hard work the dairy industry provides to satisfy a nation.