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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.

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

How we're taking action

Try the nerd herd's favorite sustainable recipes

Ranch pasta salad

This crowd-pleasing creamy bacon ranch pasta salad is perfect for an easy meal or snack on a hot summer day, and you can feel good that it’s made with real cheese and buttermilk produced sustainably on family dairy farms. 
Ranch Pasta Salad With Sustainably Made DairyRanch Pasta Salad With Sustainably Made Dairy
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Blueberry and brown sugar no-churn ice cream

Cool off with a bowl of no churn ice cream made from sustainable dairy this summer. While making homemade ice cream can sound intimidating, don’t fear! This recipe comes together in an easy half hour of active time. 
Blueberry and Brown Sugar No Churn Ice Cream With Sustainably Made DairyBlueberry and Brown Sugar No Churn Ice Cream With Sustainably Made Dairy
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Mixed berries and spice smoothie

Filled with flavor and sustainable dairy, this mixed berry smoothie is the perfect way to excite your day. Fresh mixed berries shine when they’re blended with ultra-creamy frozen yogurt and whole milk, and cinnamon rounds out the sweetness for one delicious smoothie — all in 5 minutes or less! 
Mixed Berries and Spice Smoothie With Sustainably Made DairyMixed Berries and Spice Smoothie With Sustainably Made Dairy
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DFA farmer-owner sustainability in action

How cow manure and food waste power a 250-cow dairy farm

An anaerobic digester installed on this Massachusetts dairy farm turns organic food waste and cow manure into energy. It converts three to four truckloads — or 100 tons — of food waste every day to produce one megawatt of electricity an hour, or about $100,000 worth of electricity every month. 
Anaerobic Digester Turning Cow Manure Into Renewable EnergyAnaerobic Digester Turning Cow Manure Into Renewable Energy
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A Colorado dairy farm's journey of responsible farming and recycling

This innovative dairy farmer embraces modern technology and uses sustainable dairy farming practices such as water conservation, recycling food scraps and exploring renewable energy. His philosophy is that sustainability is a journey and one he plans to continue. 
Dairy Farmer and Holstein Cow on Sustainable Dairy FarmDairy Farmer and Holstein Cow on Sustainable Dairy Farm
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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.
DFA Logo DFA Logo
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  • Central
  • Mideast
  • Mountain
  • Northeast
  • Southeast
  • Southwest
  • Western