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Meet the Nerd Herd

We are the Nerd Herd

Protecting our environment takes a herd. That’s why the farmer-owners of Dairy Farmers of America have gathered the Nerd Herd: a farmer-led team of engineers, scientists, veterinarians, nutritionists and more to lead the way toward greener fields. Together, we’re helping preserve and protect our planet through renewable energy, healthy soil and nutrient management. Dairy can help, and you can too, with every bite, sip or slurp.
Nerdherd seiries of imagesNerdherd seiries of images

We are the Nerd Herd

Protecting our environment takes a herd. That’s why the farmer-owners of Dairy Farmers of America have gathered the Nerd Herd: a farmer-led team of engineers, scientists, veterinarians, nutritionists and more to lead the way toward greener fields. Together, we’re helping preserve and protect our planet through renewable energy, healthy soil and nutrient management. Dairy can help, and you can too, with every bite, sip or slurp.

How we're taking action

Meet the Nerd Herd

The DFA farmer-owner

As caretakers of animals and the land, farmers are the OG conservationists. For them, sustainability isn’t just an initiative — it’s a way of life and a responsibility to future generations. DFA farmers are committed to developing solutions and sharing them with others, so farm families have the opportunity to work the same land for years to come.
Dairy Farmers of America female farmer-owner wearing a cowboy hatDairy Farmers of America female farmer-owner wearing a cowboy hat

The engineer

Engineers are math-minded geniuses. They help us build out our environmental sustainability initiatives and turn our big ideas into reality. Thanks to these enginerds, our farms are transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.
Dairy Farmers of America male scientist wearing a long white coat holding a large light bulbDairy Farmers of America male scientist wearing a long white coat holding a large light bulb

The scientist

Our scientists are always in the lab rocking white coats and searching for innovative new ways to be more sustainable. Their brain power has led to improved feed solutions and reduced emissions from our darling dairy cows.
Scientist out in the fieldScientist out in the field

The veterinarian

We love our cows, and ensuring they receive exceptional care is a top priority. Vets play a big role in keeping our girls healthy and happy. They also work with farmers and field staff to train them in the latest animal care practices.
Dairy Farmers of America female veterinarian holding a pot of long green herbsDairy Farmers of America female veterinarian holding a pot of long green herbs

The innovator

Our innovators are the brains behind our environmental sustainability efforts. Partners like Vanguard Renewables use science and creativity to find high-tech solutions like anaerobic digesters that convert waste to clean, renewable energy.
Dairy Farmers of America female innovator wearing a long white coatDairy Farmers of America female innovator wearing a long white coat

The dfa employee

In our offices, labs and manufacturing facilities to on the road and on farms, DFA’s employees support our farmer-owners’ sustainability practices no matter their job title. From finding markets for our farmer-owners’ milk to ensuring they have a voice where it counts, DFA’s employees are working to secure a better future for our dairy farmers, their families and the planet every day.
Dairy Farmers of America employee holding a tablet and walking next to a farmerDairy Farmers of America employee holding a tablet and walking next to a farmer

Try the nerd herd's favorite sustainable recipes

DFA farmer-owner sustainability in action

Have a Sustainable Holiday, and Turn Up the Merry!

Yes! You CAN have a festive AND sustainable holiday season. With dairy as your ally, use these simple, actionable ideas to entertain sustainably and reduce waste. 
DFA CupcakesDFA Cupcakes
Read Story

Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

In this season of giving where excess is everywhere, gift thoughtfully. These easy ideas for sustainable gifts bring the merry, without the guilt. 
Holiday LoafHoliday Loaf
Read Story

10 easy ways to live more sustainably everyday

With schedules getting busier and busier, DFA has all the tips and tricks you’ll need to live sustainably everyday. Learn about how dairy can be an easy way to up your sustainability game.  
Nerd Herd scientist, engineer, farmer, and nutritionist stand together smiling in an outdoor kitchen.Nerd Herd scientist, engineer, farmer, and nutritionist stand together smiling in an outdoor kitchen.
Read story

Sustainable dairy? You herd right

Our dairy products are sustainable, nutritious and downright delicious. And we have the facts to prove it.
Fun Fact 01
A gallon of milk in 2017 required 30% less water, 21% land, and had a 19% smaller carbon footprint than it did in 2007.
Woman pouring milk in a bowlWoman pouring milk in a bowl
McKnightMcKnight
Fun Fact 02
DFA family farm-owners can recycle and reuse one gallon of water up to four times on their farm. (cool milk, clean barns, irrigation)
Fun Fact 03
Most fluid milk travels less than 300 miles from farm to fridge in just 48 hours.
Micheal Balonek red truckMicheal Balonek red truck
Man holding glass of milk in a fieldMan holding glass of milk in a field
Fun Fact 04
The carbon footprint of a glass of milk is ⅔ less than it was 70 years ago.
Hoofnotes
Nerd out with all 56 pages of DFA's 2021 sustainability report

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

Nerd out with DFA's social responsibility report

From sustainable practices on the farm to making our dairy manufacturing facilities more efficient, get all the details (47 pages of them!) about what DFA and our farmer-owners are doing to help our planet, our people and our communities.
Chapman diary cowsChapman diary cows
View Report

Support Sustainable Dairy

Helping the planet can be as easy as buying local dairy products from DFA-owned brands. DFA farmer-owners produce their dairy using sustainable farming practices, so you can enjoy your dairy and feel good about it.

Look for local DFA brands in your grocery store's dairy aisle.
DFA LogoDFA Logo

SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE DAIRY

Helping the planet can be as easy as buying local dairy products from DFA-owned brands. DFA farmer-owners produce their dairy using sustainable farming practices, so you can enjoy your dairy and feel good about it.
DFA Logo DFA Logo
Central
Mideast
Mountain
Northeast
Southeast
Southwest
Western
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  • Central
  • Mideast
  • Mountain
  • Northeast
  • Southeast
  • Southwest
  • Western