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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.

To maintain the legacy of their farm, Long Dairy Farms, Inc. of Rising Sun, Maryland focused on diversifying their farm through regenerative agriculture initiatives. The farm recognized implementing sustainable practices on a dairy farm can be costly. In lessening these costs, the farm provides insight on their experience in exploring creative funding sources like grants, evaluating the costs and benefits of innovative practices and technologies, leveraging national, state, and local incentives, and collaborating with other farmers to learn from their experiences.

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.