U.S. Dairy Stewardship Goals
The U.S. dairy industry is committed to driving progress toward a more sustainable future, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is leading the way. The Innovation Center is a voluntary organization for collaboration within the industry, focused on advancing research, education, and technology to find new solutions to the challenges facing the dairy industry and society.
One of the center's key initiatives is the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, which sets a clear vision for the future of dairy and outlines a series of ambitious goals to be achieved by 2050. These goals represent the industry's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Goal 1: Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of the primary goals of the dairy industry is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Dairy operations account for approximately 2% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The industry recognizes the need to reduce its carbon footprint to contribute to the fight against climate change. Therefore, the dairy industry will focus on using more efficient production methods, reducing waste, and using renewable energy sources.
By investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, the dairy industry can significantly reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas. For example, many dairy farmers are now using anaerobic digesters to convert manure into biogas, which can then generate electricity and heat. These changes can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions and improve dairy farming operations' efficiency and sustainability.
Additionally, the industry can work to reduce GHG from the production and distribution of dairy products by improving supply chain management and reducing food waste. The industry can reduce its carbon footprint by using more sustainable packaging and transportation methods.
Goal 2: Optimize Water Use While Maximizing Recycling
The U.S. dairy industry is also taking active steps to optimize water use and maximize recycling to reduce its environmental impact. One way the industry achieves this goal is by implementing best practices for water management, including reducing the amount of water used in dairy production and improving the efficiency of irrigation systems.
The dairy industry is reusing wastewater for tasks such as cleaning equipment, maintaining fields, and providing water for livestock. By taking these actions, the U.S. dairy industry is working towards a more sustainable future and helping to conserve one of our most valuable resources – water.
Goal 3: Improve Water Quality
The dairy industry recognizes its essential role in protecting water resources and is committed to reducing its impact on water quality. The industry is focusing on reducing the amount of manure, chemicals, and other pollutants entering waterways and improving wastewater management.
The impact of this goal will improve water quality and reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses. It will also ensure the preservation of water resources for future generations and support the health of aquatic ecosystems and the species that rely on them.
Through the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment, the industry is setting clear goals to reduce its carbon footprint, optimize water use and recycling, and increase the use of renewable energy. These efforts will benefit the environment and the communities in which dairy farmers live and work.
