THE CONSUMERS ROLE IN DAIRY SUSTAINABILITY

I was once told that people love innovation, but hate change.

I don't think there has been a truer statement regarding people's perception of agriculture.

For example, people want dairies to be more sustainable. We want the highest level of cow care. We want to use less water, less land, and fewer resources. We also want foods in the grocery store to be inexpensive.

Farmers are striving every day to satisfy these wants of consumers. We are constantly making changes to improve our farms. Adding new technology to reduce our carbon footprint. Focusing on cow health in new innovative ways. Looking at efficiency to produce more with less.

How to Make Dairy Farming More Sustainable

A while back we sat down and calculated our farm’s carbon footprint. This gave us a place to start with creating a sustainable product while keeping efficiency in mind.

If we want to be better in the future and reach our dairy sustainability goals by 2050, we need to know where we stand today and accept the change that needs to happen to be better.

I can promise you, we aren’t the first sustainable dairy (not by a long shot) to calculate this, and we won’t be the last.

While I think we have done a pretty good job improving over the last several decades, I know we can improve.

Your role in Dairy Sustainability

Dairy currently represents less than 2% of total emissions in the US and agriculture and forestry are responsible for 11% of total GHG emissions. But what if we cut that number in half? What if every industry cut its emissions in half?

We just need consumers to be ready for the change and willing to see the benefits for our environment and themselves that will come with the change. Many are surprised when a farm looks different than it did 75 years ago, or are skeptical of new modern farms that don't look like our grandparent’s farms. Also, consumers become wary or unsure of new practices and technology. Even if that means protecting land, conserving water, and raising animals the right way.

The question I have for you is how do we help consumers understand these changes? How do we bring them along and make them part of these discussions? How do we translate that love of innovation into excitement for modern agriculture? I hope consumers remember that they can feel good about choosing any milk on the shelf. It doesn't have to be organic or expensive or have fancy labels or cool packaging. It is still healthy, sustainable, and nutritious.

Make sure to follow me on social media for regular updates on Dairy Sustainability and how you can play a part in it.