Dairy Farmers Continue to Work to Reduce Environmental Footprint

Throughout the decades, dairy farmers have worked to find countless creative ways to be good stewards of the land. From recycling water to reducing energy use, dairy farmers have been and continue to work to reduce their environmental footprint.

Here’s a look at a few of the many ways that our dairy farmers continue to improve their everyday procedures so that we can enjoy the land for generations to come.

• Some dairy farms around the nation are partnering with food companies, retailers and restaurants to transform food waste into natural fertilizer and renewable energy. It’s one way we’re all working together to “honor the harvest.”

• By using cow manure as a natural fertilizer, dairy farmers can greatly reduce their need for petroleum-based fertilizers. 

• Other dairy farmers have embraced technology to help them cut back on their carbon footprint.

• Dairy farmers view water as a precious and versatile resource, which is why they’re always looking for opportunities to reuse, recycle and conserve water.  

• Some dairy farmers who have other businesses have also explored how they can be sustainable in those initiatives. For example, the Ballard family in Gooding, Idaho, has implemented a number of energy efficiency upgrades to their cheesemaking company.