Protecting our environment takes a herd. That’s why the farm families of Dairy Farmers of America have gathered scientists, nutritionists, engineers and more to lead the way toward green new fields. Together, we’re developing high-tech, high-IQ solutions to help work toward our goals of reducing greenhouse emissions 30% by the year 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With these solutions, dairy can help preserve and protect our planet by generating renewable power, creating healthy soil and turning waste into a new source of energy.
Dairy can help, and you can, too. It’s as easy as enjoying our sustainably made dairy products. With every bite, sip or slurp, they help lower emissions and keep Earth greener. And there’s nothing nerdy about that.
Our employees find different ways to support our sustainability practices. From finding markets for our farmers’ milk to ensuring our farmers have a voice where it counts, they’re working to secure a better future for our farmers, their families and the planet.
Engineers are math-minded geniuses. They help us build out our 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.
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.
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.
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.
Small but mighty, our pint-sized advocates are the next generation of dairy lovers. They care about the future of our planet and champion sustainable practices to help preserve it.
Our innovators are the brains behind our 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.
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.
FUN FACT 01
DAIRY PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTES LESS THAN 2% OF ALL U.S. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS — AND THAT NUMBER CONTINUES TO SHRINK, THANKS TO WIDER ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRACTICES.
FUN FACT 02
92% OF ALL DFA MEMBER FARMS PRACTICE A SOIL MANAGEMENT PLAN TO HELP MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE OVERALL SOIL HEALTH.
FUN FACT 03
OUR FARMER-OWNERS ARE ALSO OPTIMIZING COWS’ DIETS TO REDUCE BURPS, WHICH THEN REDUCES EMISSIONS IN THE EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE.
FUN FACT 04
WE'RE WORKING TOWARD REDUCING OUR EMISSIONS 30% BY 2030, WHICH WOULD BE ENOUGH ENERGY TO POWER 1.94 TRILLION SMARTPHONES.
Reduce your carbon hoofprint by supporting DFA-owned brands in your area.