Innovation and efficiencies in equipment, structures, milking processes, transportation, manure management practices and more have all contributed to the dairy industry’s ability to do more with less, to be more profitable and to continue providing nutrient-rich dairy products to feed a growing population. These innovations have helped dairy farmers and processors stay in business — because if a new practice doesn’t make economic sense, it is not sustainable.

The completion of the greenhouse gas (GHG) life cycle assessment (LCA) of fluid milk marked a major milestone for the dairy industry. By understanding the carbon footprint across the entire value chain, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy has been able to identify a series of projects to reduce emissions, from production of feed for dairy cows to processing, packaging and distribution of fluid milk. 

The common thread of all the projects is to cut costs, to provide new sources of revenue, and improve the financial and environmental sustainability of the U.S. dairy industry. 
 
Learn more:
Roadmap to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Business Value
The roadmap outlines the U.S. dairy industry commitment to measuring and improving its environmental, social and economic footprint.

Sustainability Projects
View the projects that are leveraging key learnings from the GHG LCA of fluid milk to reduce carbon emissions.

U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment Progress Report
Our inaugural U.S. Dairy Sustainability Commitment Progress Report demonstrates the industry's progress toward reducing our environmental impact.