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The natural process of vermicomposting uses earthworms to enhance the decomposition of organic matter to create a valuable soil amendment and has been studied on medium to large-scale dairy farms. A recent study investigated the impact of vermicompost on the presence of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in manure, with results showing a reduction in ARGs.

With many dairies across the U.S. either in or near watersheds, the protection and conservation of water quality and quantity is essential. Collaborative research and partnerships have built upon an already strong foundation of water preservation that dairy farmers have built over the years. Some of these efforts include the reuse of wastewater, recycling flush water, runoff prevention, cover crops, buffer strips, and evaporative cooling processes.

Tim Kurt, Senior Vice President of Environmental Research Strategy & Group Lead with Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), discusses DMI’s involvement in various sustainability initiatives on the DairyVoice podcast, hosted by Connie Kuber. Tim touches on DMI’s engagement through the Greener Cattle Initiative, Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration project, the launch of Version 3 of the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Environmental Stewardship (ES) tool, and more.

Austin Allred of Royal Dairy in Royal City, Washington shares his family farm’s approach to scaling regenerative agriculture practices in producing potatoes, apples, cherries, honey, dairy, and beef. At Royal Family Farms, they maximize the potential for every acre and byproduct through regenerative practices like extended crop rotations, grazing, upcycling, and reusing wastewater through vermifiltration. These methods help eliminate waste and reduce the need for purchased inputs.

Hundreds of attendees gathered in Minneapolis for the 2024 Dairy Sustainability Alliance Fall Meeting to exchange insights on addressing the challenges of climate change and accelerating progress towards industry sustainability goals. The event showcased innovative industry tools and resources, along with interactive sessions led by diverse industry experts including farmers, academia, and industry stakeholders who discussed various aspects of dairy’s sustainability journey.

The University of Vermont research team is among the several institutions nationwide participating in the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration project. As severe flooding has devastated New England dairy forage production in recent years, the team in Vermont is assessing how soil health management systems compare to commonly used field practices and their effects on water quality, crop yield, greenhouse gas emissions, and economic outcomes.

The new Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online tool created for a diverse group of professionals assisting with on-farm decisions, consolidates information on various field, manure, and energy conservation practices into one platform. This science-backed data on best management practices and technologies will guide farm advisors and decision-makers in making informed choices to reduce the environmental impact of farms through evidence-based strategies.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently made updates to the highly effective Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), of which now includes goals to cut the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuel pool by 30% in 2030 and 90% in 2045 while strengthening support for zero-emissions infrastructure. These updates to LCFS are not only projected to provide billions of dollars in private sector investment but also provide health and economic benefits such as expanding electric and hydrogen fueling options, lowering fuel costs, improving air quality, and reducing health care costs linked to air pollution from fossil fuels.

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program has now launched Version 3 of the FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) greenhouse gas estimation tool. This updated version features the Ruminant Farm Systems (RuFaS) model and offers new optional data inputs for a customized output, including cropping systems, culling rates, and reproductive strategies. This enhancement is crucial for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and processors to further their sustainability initiatives.

Victor Green, Director of Soil Health and Crop Sustainability at Dairy Management Inc., shares insights from the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration (DSWR) project, an eight-year study aimed at addressing research gaps in dairy feed production to assist farmers in their decision-making. While the findings from DSWR will unfold over several growing seasons, institutions nationwide are beginning to see preliminary results.