Western Dairy Association farm families in the news
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A slice of community
Moreno Preaches Fueling UpJune 30, 2010
Jenna Allen, RD on Colorado & Company
May 3, 2010
April 30, 2010
April 22, 2010
Its Earth Day Everyday
Earth Day reminds us that we all have a role to play in conserving and protecting the environment. As a representative the Western Dairy Association – an organization that promotes dairy products in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming – I’m proud to say that environmental care is a priority for dairy farm families in the three-state region.
First, dairy farmers are focused on the environment. It’s an occupational “must” because the success and profitability of a dairy farm depends upon healthy land, water and air. For centuries, they’ve used methods such as crop rotation and mulching to preserve the fertility of the land, and they continue to invest in new practices to manage soil nutrients, conserve water, use crop practices that keep carbon locked in the soil, reduce fuel use, and minimize milk transportation. These practices are good for the environment, create efficiencies and reduce costs. Over the past 60 years, improvements like these have helped to reduce carbon emissions, nationwide, by 63 percent (Cornell University) – that’s the same as removing 32 million cars from the road.
Second, the dairy industry is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fluid milk chain – from the grass the cow eats to the milk in your glass – contributes less than 2 percent of total U.S. gas emissions, according to The Applied Sustainability Center at the University of Arkansas, Globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that milk production, processing and transportation, in total, contributes 2.7 percent.
Regardless of those low percentages, the dairy industry (farmers and companies) is dedicated to getting consumers the nutritious dairy products they want, in a way that is economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible. In 2008, the U.S. dairy industry launched a sustainability effort that plans to reduce the overall (2 percent) carbon footprint by 25 percent by 2020. That’s the same as taking another 1.25 million cars off the road – every year.
Third, dairy farmers collaborate with area experts. For years, dairy farmers have worked with land grant universities like Colorado State’s Livestock and Animal Science Department, cooperative extension and others to improve animal feeding and genetics that help reduce environmental impacts.
Dairy marketing cooperatives and processors also play a huge role. Colorado dairy farmers, who market their milk through Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA), have endorsed a Gold Standard that benchmarks best farming practices with a priority on environmental stewardship. They have, also, piloted two programs in this region that are standard-bearers in fuel conservation and milk hauling efficiencies.
Finally, dairy farmers contribute to the health and wellbeing of citizens. Milk from the region’s farms supply local consumers with food options including low-fat and fat-free products that provide essential nutrients. It’s an amazing contribution – 180 dairy farm families in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming contribute more than 3 billion pounds of milk and, in total, contribute more than $1.6 billion to the three state’s economy.
It’s Earth Day everyday for dairy farm families in the tri-state area.
Cindy Haren
CEO, Western Dairy Association
March 12, 2010
Jenna Allen on Colorado & Company – Pouring Out the Facts on Dairy and Lactose Intolerance
March 8, 2010
Western Dairy Association and the Denver Broncos Help DPS Celebrate National School Breakfast Week!
February 19, 2010
Registered dietitian and nutrition consultant, Dayle Hayes, discusses simple steps families can take to help their children achieve a healthy weight on Colorado and Company.
January 20, 2010
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