Overview

Serving member-owners since 1920, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association Inc. is headquartered in Reston, Va., just minutes from the heart of the nation's Capitol, Washington, D.C. The cooperative markets milk for 1,500-plus dairy farmer owners throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the U.S. Known for being a leader in the dairy industry, Maryland & Virginia has an 85-plus year reputation for integrity, service and high quality products.

Maryland & Virginia also owns and operates three fluid processing plants: Marva Maid in Newport News, Va., Marva Maid of Landover, Md., Maola Milk & Ice Cream in New Bern, N.C.; two manufacturing plants: one in Laurel, Md. and Valley Milk Products LLC in Strasburg, Va.; and a farm supply warehouse in Frederick, Md. with a satellite location in Hickory, N.C. Together Maryland & Virginia's milk marketing and value-added businesses work to fulfill the cooperative's mission to maximize member returns.

Dairy Cow Breeds Holstein - This breed of dairy cattle, originating in northern Holland, has a distinctive black and white coloring. Holsteins are "powerhouses" when it comes to producing milk. At peak production, some of them provide 150 lbs. (20 gallons) per day. In the U.S., Holsteins outnumber all other dairy breeds and produce 90% of the milk supply. Milk from Holsteins has a relatively low butterfat content. The spotted markings on Holsteins are like fingerprints -- no two cows have the same pattern. Holsteins are one of the largest dairy cattle breeds, weighing in at an average of 1200 to 1400 lbs. when mature. Jersey - This breed of short-horned dairy cattle is the smallest of the dairy breeds (with an average adult weight of 900 lbs.) and are widely accepted to be the most efficient at converting forage into milk. Unlike Holsteins, Jersey cows produce milk relatively high in butterfat. Originating on Jersey, one of the English Channel Islands, this breed is believed to have descended from French cattle. The colour of the Jersey is usually a shade of fawn or cream, but darker shades are possible. Guernsey - Guernsey cows with their distinctive tan and white coloring are relatively small with an average weight of around 950 lbs., however they produce more milk per unit of body weight than any other breed. Originating on Guernsey, another of the English Channel Islands, this breed is thought to have descended from the cattle of nearby Normandy and Brittany. Some dairy farmers who are looking for cows with excellent immunity to disease and high milk quality selected Guernseys. Ayrshire - The Ayrshire breed of dairy cattle originated in Scotland in the late 18th century and were introduced into the United States in 1837. They are medium-sized and white mixed with red or brown in color. Ayrshires are excellent grazers and good, consistent milk producers. Ayrshires were formerly used as dual-purpose dairy and meat producers. Their importance as a breed has declined, especially in favor of the Holstein, but Ayrshires still remain popular in parts of the U.S. Brown Swiss - Brown Swiss cows, which are native to Switzerland, are one of the oldest breeds in existence. While these cattle are classified as a dairy breed in the U.S., they are often considered a dual-purpose breed in other parts of the world as they are heavier boned and thicker fleshed than the cattle of other dairy breeds.