A Fresno rancher has been selected to represent California’s agricultural diversity in a new version of the well-known “Got Milk?” advertising campaign. Rizpah Bellard, 31, owner of Nova Farming in Fresno, is among ten individuals featured in the updated campaign that aims to highlight the range of people working in the state’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
Nova Farming focuses on raising grass-fed Wagyu and Angus beef. The original “Got Milk?” campaign began in 1994 through the California Milk Processor Board, becoming widely recognized for its television commercials and posters featuring celebrities with milk mustaches.
Bellard explained how she became involved: “The whole point of this new campaign is to show the realness and diversity in California. They want to promote people drinking real California milk, but also to show the different faces of people in California,” Bellard said.
She noted the importance of representation within agriculture. Raised on a cattle ranch in Guinda, Yolo County, Bellard grew up around various livestock before moving to Fresno in 2021 after completing her studies at Cornell University and the University of Denver.
Bellard described her experiences as a Black cowgirl. She acknowledged progress compared to previous generations but noted challenges remain. Her father, Cleveland Bellard—a pioneering Black agriculturalist—graduated from Fresno State in the 1980s as its only Black animal husbandry major. He faced discrimination such as cattle thefts, denial of loans, and business deals lost due to race.
According to Bellard, conditions have improved: loan officers and buyers now seek out ranchers regardless of race or gender.
As part of her work beyond ranching, Bellard collaborates with local schools to introduce students to agriculture careers. “I think it’s important for someone like me to show where food comes from, how it’s made, and to start the conversation somewhere. The hope is these kids want to go to college for agriculture or something similar,” she said.
The current “Got Milk?” ads will appear digitally as well as on billboards and posters at locations such as bus stops. A billboard featuring Bellard will be displayed somewhere in Fresno; she does not yet know where it will be located. Friends have already seen her ad on display in Oakland.
Bellard recalled seeing earlier versions of the campaign while growing up: posters featuring athletes like Venus and Serena Williams were present at her school library and cafeteria.
