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Legacy Ranches of California is well-versed in navigating sustainable practices and technologies to address environmental challenges faced by their farm. The drive for enhanced farm efficiencies has prompted key operational decisions regarding agronomics, herd characteristics, manure management, and energy usage.

As new advancements emerge, dairy farmers are continuing to embrace the knowledge and innovation of dairy sustainability practices and technologies. Feed management and breeding strategies are two approaches to reducing enteric methane emissions. Researchers are now exploring the use of artificial intelligence to deliver data to farmers, offering insight into how management decisions might impact emissions.

Wisconsin farmers now have access to an online resource, the Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast, developed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The tool informs farmers of optimal conditions and timing for manure application, considering runoff risks into waterways as well as freezing events.

Choosing the right bedding is a key decision for every dairy farm—one that affects both cow comfort and overall farm efficiency. As a consistent, readily available resource that supports a closed loop system, manure solids are gaining interest among producers. Proper management is essential to make recycled solids a viable option. Maintaining optimal cow health depends primarily on monitoring bacterial concentrations in the bedding and ensuring the material stays dry.

The national Waste to Worth conference, hosted by the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC), will be held from April 7-11, 2025. This event will bring together a network of professionals from the U.S. and Canada representing Extension specialists, producers, conservation groups, and industry representatives to exchange knowledge on sustainable methods to manage manure.

A 25-year study conducted at the Long-Term Ecological Research Site at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, Michigan, revealed notable differences in soil carbon between fields using conservation versus conventional field management practices. Insights from this research will aid farmers and farm advisors in making informed decisions to implement sustainable practices.

Several models of manure vacuums exist to fit the needs of various operations, ranging from tanks to robots. Although manure vacuums offer an efficient method for collecting manure from the floors and barn alleys in dairy systems, they are still not widely used on many operations. The ongoing evolution of manure vacuum designs, along with updates in regulations, safety measures, and economic considerations may lead to increased adoption on dairy farms.

Dr. Mara Cloutier, research scientist and program director at the Soil Health Institute, discusses how the Dairy Soil & Water Regeneration project is helping close knowledge gaps in dairy forage production through science-backed data. Working to align with dairy’s 2050 environmental stewardship goals, researchers in major dairy regions across the country are studying the impacts of soil health and manure management practices on greenhouse gas emissions, water quality outcomes, and agronomic factors such as yield and forage quality.

Athian reflects on the progress it has made in providing farmers with incentives for implementing emission-reduction practices, just one year after its initial sale of the first verified reductions. With additional protocols introduced over the past year and plans to double them in 2025, Athian is set to further strengthen connections between producers and supply chains through credible verification.

Dennis Rodenbaugh, president and CEO of Dairy Farmers of America, has been appointed as chair of the board of directors for the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, after previously serving as the vice chairman. Established in 2008, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy was created to promote collaboration that advances the industry’s goal of fostering a healthy and sustainable future. This includes focusing on shared social responsibilities and sustainability priorities such as nutrition and health, food security, the environment, animal care, workforce, and food safety.