Protecting our environment takes a herd. That’s why Dairy Farmers of America has teamed up with engineers, nutritionists, technology experts, scientists and more to lead the dairy industry to greener fields.

Together, we’re developing high-tech, high-IQ solutions to help us

REACH NET-ZERO EMISSIONS BY 2050.

How we're MOOVING toward net-zero:

1. Reduced Emissions

REALITY:
Cow burps release methane gas. This happens because of the unique make-up of their stomachs, which have not one but four compartments.

NERD HERD SOLUTION:
Cows’ unique stomachs allow them to recycle the things we can’t eat. Our dairy queens dine on foods like cilantro, seaweed and probiotics. Not only do these foods make them feel distinguished, they also help cut down on their burps.

2. Healthy Soil

REALITY:
Between conventional farming and Mother Nature, the dirt beneath our feet can lose nutrients. In many places, the soil is doing a disappearing act altogether.

NERD HERD SOLUTION:
By growing cover crops like clovers, turnips, radishes, ryegrass and peas, our dairy farmers treat the soil right. These crops aren’t planted for profit, but primarily to replenish the nutrients, trap water that would otherwise wash away precious soil and can help provide the ultimate munchies for the herd.

3. Energy

REALITY:
Fossil fuels have an expiration date. There’s only so much available.

NERD HERD SOLUTION:
With solar panels and wind turbines, our dairy farmers capture nature’s natural elements to keep the farm running and, in some cases, power homes and businesses in their local community.

4. Digesters

REALITY:
A herd of happy, healthy ladies produce a lot of, ahem, waste. They don’t mean to, but their potent poop reduces methane gas, which cycles through the atmosphere.

NERD HERD SOLUTION:
Like a garbage disposal on steroids, anaerobic digesters gobble manure and local food scraps. But instead of going down the drain, they convert the compost cocktail to energy to power your lightbulbs, TV and, yep, garbage disposal.

1. Reduced Emissions

REALITY:
Cow burps release methane gas. This happens because of the unique make-up of their stomachs, which have not one but four compartments.

2. Healthy Soil

REALITY:
Between conventional farming and Mother Nature, the dirt beneath our feet can lose nutrients. In many places, the soil is doing a disappearing act altogether.

3. Energy

REALITY:
Fossil fuels have an expiration date. There’s only so much available.

4. Digesters

REALITY:
A herd of happy, healthy ladies produce a lot of, ahem, waste. They don’t mean to, but their potent poop reduces methane gas, which cycles through the atmosphere.

MEET THE NERD HERD

Putting Sustainability on the Map

From coast to coast, we're taking steps to move our Cooperative to net-zero. Click through the categories on this map to see our sustainability initiatives across the country.

Sustainability Filters:

All Initiatives

Anaerobic Digester

Recycling

Solar

Water Recycling

Wind

SUSTAINABLE DAIRY?
YOU HERD RIGHT.

Our dairy products are sustainable, nutritious and downright delicious. And we have the receipts to prove it.

Myth 01

The dairy industry is bad for the environment.

FACT 01

DAIRY COMPRISES LESS THAN 2% OF ALL U.S. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, AND THAT NUMBER CONTINUES TO SHRINK. DFA IS COMMITTED TO REDUCING EMISSIONS ACROSS OUR BUSINESS 30% BY 2030.

Myth 02

Dairy milk isn't as healthy as milk alternatives.

FACT 02

DAIRY ISN'T JUST GOOD FOR YOUR TASTEBUDS. IT'S ALSO FULL OF HEALTHY NUTRIENTS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR HEALTH.