June is National Dairy Month, a chance to celebrate the contributions of America’s dairy farming communities. In addition to providing a wealth of vital nutrients, dairy farmers nationwide are at the forefront of developing sustainable practices that safeguard the health of the planet and their animals. If you run a dairy farm and want to keep up with best practices, here’s a guide to how modern farms meet the needs of a growing population while minimizing impact on the environment.

Carbon Emissions

While dairy farming produces greenhouse gases, careful management and modern practices can dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Many farms produce their own cow feed, eliminating the added carbon of transporting grain from other areas. Dairy farmers across the world are also committed to maximizing the energy-efficiency of their operations by using high-tech tools for milking, cooling, and ventilation.

Animal Care

Healthy, well-fed cows provide nutritious milk of the highest quality. This results in tastier cheeses, yogurts, and other derived products. Investing in expert veterinary care, nutrient-rich feed, and healthy living conditions is not only ethical, but also increases the profitability of dairy farms.

Organic Farming

To reduce the use of artificial fertilizers, many dairy farmers use their cows’ manure to fertilize cropland. This reduces costs and the waste produced by the farm. It also keeps potentially harmful nitrates out of the location’s water supply, where fertilizers often cause deadly algae blooms that disrupt ecosystems. By reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, farmers can also brand their operations as organic, attracting a larger consumer base.

Since 1918, Allied Cooperative has been committed to helping mid-Wisconsin farmers thrive. As a local co-op, they’re owned by their members, who join forces to increase their buying power, negotiate better rates, and share best practices for sustainable farming. Visit their website for more on their feed and other products, get news and updates on Facebook, or call (800) 247-5679 to find out how they can help your farm succeed.