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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.

A significant decision made on every dairy farm is choosing the type of bedding that works best for both the cows and overall farm operations. As a consistent, readily available resource and promoting a closed loop system, the use of manure solids as bedding is peaking the interest of producers. Proper management of the recycled solids is crucial to maintain optimal cow health, focusing primarily on monitoring bedding bacteria concentrations 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.

Ten dairy farms across Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin recently achieved their first gas through Brightmark RNG, a leading producer of dairy renewable natural gas (RNG). In this process, methane captured from the anaerobic digestion of dairy manure is upgraded to RNG, which is then used as transportation fuel. Farmers from the ten dairies are reaping the economical benefits of anaerobic digestion while also contributing to the reduction of methane emissions from dairy.

The triple bottom line of sustainability — people, planet, and profit — heightens interest in addressing sustainability challenges. It broadens the term sustainability beyond the environment to include the social and economic aspects as well. In agriculture, numerous terms are used within sustainability discussions, but it is essential for farmers, farm advisors, and the dairy community as a whole to have access to digestible, science-based information to effectively implement innovative technologies and practices.