Milk is getting a makeover.

Long considered a wholesome though somewhat uninspiring staple of the American diet, it has taken on a new look in recent years.

ORANGE CITY, Iowa — There is pride in Matt Schelling’s voice when he talks about his family’s dairy operation.

“We enjoy it, but we also know it’s a business,” he say. “We enjoy being part of the dairy community.”

VENEDY, Ill. — Courtney Lintker thought she was done with farming. But she was wrong.

The Washington County native grew up on a dairy farm and enjoyed the farm life. But she decided to move on to something else. Then she came full circle.

In 2010, the Fry family made the decision to try something new — processing and bottling their own milk to sell to grocery stores and coffee shops. They called it Ozark Mountain Creamery, selling their milk in glass bottles.

David and Teresa Fry partnered with Dwight and Lori Fry on the venture. David and Dwight’s parents started the dairy on the family farm back in the 1950s. Dwight says the move to start the creamery business was to help keep the dairy farm viable.

Milk prices may be high, but so are input costs.

“It’s really a double-edged sword,” says Stephen Cain, director of economic research and analysis with the National Milk Producers Federation.