The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), and Zoetis are spearheading efforts to sustain and advance the U.S. dairy industry through the Dairy Health, Efficiency and Resource Dynamics (Dairy HERD) Initiative. This strategic $1.3 million collaboration is set to revolutionize animal health research, enhancing both the economic viability of the dairy sector and environmental stewardship.
FFAR is currently inviting proposals for groundbreaking research projects ranging from $500,000 to $1 million over a duration of up to two years. The initiative seeks to fill critical gaps in animal health research, with the potential to significantly impact the U.S dairy sector’s 2050 environmental goals. While required matching funds are in place, additional funding could further bolster the initiative’s reach and effectiveness.
Prioritizing Animal Health and Welfare
Animal health and welfare are at the forefront for both producers and consumers. The Dairy HERD Initiative focuses on exploring how disease prevention and innovative herd management can positively influence economic and environmental outcomes. These efforts not only support farmers in achieving sustainable practices but also ensure that consumer expectations for animal welfare are met.
The U.S dairy industry has demonstrated significant progress over the years, notably reducing resource usage and emissions. By 2017, producing a gallon of milk required substantially less water and land compared to a decade earlier, highlighting improved farming efficiencies. The Dairy HERD Initiative aims to quantify these advancements, reinforcing the importance of cow health and translating these efforts into broader environmental benefits.
Industry Leaders’ Perspectives
“FFAR is excited to partner with DMI and Zoetis to fill critical animal health research gaps,” says Jasmine Bruno, FFAR’s scientific program director. The initiative promises to elevate farmers’ profitability while upholding sustainability goals.
“Quantifying the positive environmental outcomes of improved animal health enables farmers to access new market opportunities and financial incentives,” emphasizes Tim Kurt, senior vice president, environmental research strategy and group lead at DMI.
Meanwhile, Shari Westerfeld, vice president, U.S. sustainability customer engagement at Zoetis highlights how optimizing herd management through informed decisions can drive sustainable outcomes.
“As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis brings deep expertise in advancing dairy cow health as a key driver of sustainable outcomes,” Westerfeld says. “Through this research, we can help producers, veterinarians and nutritionists make informed decisions that optimize herd management, improve economic viability and reduce dairy’s environmental footprint.”
Call for Research Proposals
The Dairy HERD Initiative is casting a wide net, inviting applications from both domestic and international higher education institutions, as well as non-profit, for-profit, and government-affiliated research entities. Interested researchers should submit pre-applications by June 11. For those looking to be part of this pioneering venture, further information and application procedures can be found on FFAR’s website.
This initiative represents an opportunity to align the dairy industry with sustainable practices, ensuring its health and profitability for generations to come. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge research, the Dairy HERD Initiative is poised to be a game-changer in the field of agricultural sustainability.
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