Sustainable Dairy Farming

The Unified Front: Dairy’s Generational Evolution and the Path to 2026

Thu, 07 May 2026 13:28:46 GMT

The atmosphere in Oak Brook, Ill., at the 2026 Dairy Sustainability Alliance Spring Meeting was one of focused optimism. When Dennis Rodenbaugh, president and CEO of Dairy Farmers of America and chair of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, took the podium, he told the crowd they weren’t just listeners — they were the people redesigning the future of American farming. His message was clear: The U.S. dairy industry has moved past the era of defense and has firmly planted its flag in the territory of proactive leadership.

For years, the dairy industry found itself reacting to external pressures, often operating from a defensive posture. Rodenbaugh reflected on a time when the sector felt it was on its back heels, responding to narratives shaped by those outside the farm gate. However, the 2026 meeting marked a definitive departure from that stance. The current leadership, he argued, is no longer content to follow prevailing narratives. Instead, they are prioritizing the celebration of dairy’s intrinsic value — nutrition, stewardship and community impact.

Sustainability: A Legacy, Not a Label

One of the most compelling segments of Rodenbaugh’s address was his reframing of sustainability. To the modern ear, the word often sounds like a product of 21^st-century corporate mandates or NGO pressure. Rodenbaugh dismantled this notion, asserting sustainability in dairy did not begin with the invention of Scope 3 emissions reporting or government regulations.

“U.S. dairy farmers have been practicing sustainability decade after decade,” he reminds. For the farmer, sustainability is synonymous with stewardship. It is the practice of protecting natural resources not for a quarterly earnings report, but for the next generation. This generational thinking is the ultimate form of innovation. The goals of soil health, water conservation and animal care were not imported into the industry; they were born in the soil and passed down through lineages of farm families.

The Power of Alignment and Shared Responsibility

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy exists to solve a problem that no individual actor can tackle alone: scale. Rodenbaugh emphasizes real progress only happens when responsibility is shared and execution is aligned across the entire supply chain — from the cooperative to the processor to the retail partner.

In an increasingly fragmented world, the dairy industry has found strength in a coordinated roadmap. This alignment ensures food remains accessible, affordable and nutrient-dense. Rodenbaugh warns without this collective effort, individual farms or customer segments risk becoming isolated and vulnerable. By working through the alliance, the industry protects its license to operate and ensures the billions of people relying on dairy for nutrition are not let down.

By the Numbers: The Efficiency Miracle

To ground his vision in reality, Rodenbaugh points to the staggering efficiency gains the industry has achieved since the mid-20^th century. The modern U.S. dairy cow is a marvel of biological and technological innovation. Compared to her mid-century predecessors, today’s cow:

Produces five times more nutrition.
Uses 65% less water.
Requires 90% less land.
Maintains a 77% lower carbon footprint.

These figures aren’t just statistics; they are proof of a journey of improvement. However, Rodenbaugh cautions against defining sustainability too narrowly. While greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration are vital components, they are only pieces of a much larger puzzle.

The Social Fabric of Dairy

Rodenbaugh proposes a holistic definition of sustainability that connects the environment to the economy and social stability, outlining a virtuous cycle: Farmers produce nutrition; that nutrition drives human health; healthy people build stable communities; stable communities support innovation; and innovation, in turn, drives further sustainability.

This circularity of health positions the dairy farmer as the cornerstone of community stability. When the dairy industry thrives, the environment thrives and the people fed by that industry are empowered to innovate. This is the narrative Rodenbaugh urges the alliance to champion — one where the cow is a solution to global nutritional and environmental challenges, not a contributor to them.

Inclusion: From 100 to 10,000

Perhaps the most critical challenge addressed was the participation gap. As sustainability standards and expectations are developed — sometimes by entities outside the U.S. or outside the industry — there is a risk of leaving certain producers behind.

Rodenbaugh is adamant that for sustainability to be successful, it must be inclusive.

“The 10,000-cow dairy and the 100-cow dairy need to be recognized as both being essential to our future,” he says.

The dairy industry must create pathways where farmers of all sizes can participate in environmental markets and adopt new technologies. New value must be generated to support the necessary investments on the farm. If the bar is set so high that only the largest operations can clear it, the industry loses its diversity and its soul.

The Frontier: AI and Sound Science

Looking toward the future, Rodenbaugh expresses excitement about the role of artificial intelligence in energizing and coordinating these efforts. AI offers the potential to better track measurements, meet the reality of on-farm practice and accelerate the trend of efficiency.

However, he tempered this technological optimism with a call for humility. The planetary systems the industry interacts with are enormously complex. Therefore, the industry’s strategies must remain grounded in sound science and guiding principles.

Confidence must be earned through research and a commitment to on-farm viability. The goal is not to meet a fleeting trend, but to build a permanent, pragmatic framework that works for the land and the checkbook.

As he closed his remarks, Rodenbaugh looked out at the record-breaking attendance of the spring meeting. The high turnout was, to him, evidence the industry sees the value in coordination. While other sectors may have struggled to find their footing in the sustainability conversation, dairy has emerged as a leader — not just within agriculture, but across the global corporate landscape.

The 2026 meeting served as a reminder the alliance is more than just a name; it is the room where the future of food is secured. By aligning on facts, embracing their history as stewards and ensuring every farmer has a seat at the table, the U.S. dairy industry is not just surviving the sustainability movement — it is defining it.

Engineering the Future: How One California Dairyman Uses Worms to Innovate

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:10:37 GMT

In the heart of California’s Central Valley, where the heat of Stanislaus County shimmers over vast stretches of almond hulls and corn silage, the rhythm of Alberto Dairy has remained constant for more than four decades. It is a rhythm of early mornings and the steady hum of a milking parlor. But beneath the surface of this traditional landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place — one powered by millions of earthworms and a third-generation farmer’s commitment to a legacy built on sacrifice.

Anthony Agueda, the grandson of Portuguese immigrants Antonio and Maria Alberto, doesn’t see sustainability as a corporate buzzword or a modern trend. To him, it is the natural evolution of the heavy lift his grandparents began in 1981. Today, as he stands at the helm of a modern dairy operation, Agueda is proving the path to the future isn’t always paved with complex machinery. Sometimes, it’s found in the simple, elegant systems of nature.

(Photos provided by Alberto Dairy)

A Foundation of Sacrifice

To understand where Alberto Dairy is going, one must understand where it started. In the late 1970s and early ‘80s, the Alberto family wasn’t just building a business; they were chasing the American Dream with a level of intensity hard for the modern world to comprehend.

“My grandpa told me that when he came to the United States, he was working three jobs and went seven years without a single day off,” Agueda reflects. “In our workflow today, if we go seven days without a day off, it’s tough on us. But for them, it was about survival and building something for the generations they hadn’t even met yet.”

That old school value of sacrifice remains the North Star for the dairy. Antonio and Maria, now in their late 70s, still participate in the daily life of the farm. They didn’t just pass down land and cattle; they passed down the understanding that the cows always come first.

“You don’t just clock in and out,” Agueda says. “You go home when the work is done. My grandpa and my dad taught me that from the time I was a young kid feeding calves.”

The Third-Generation Pivot

Every generation of this California dairy family has faced a different challenge. For Antonio, it was the physical labor of the wheelbarrow and the struggle to establish a foothold. For Agueda’s father and uncle, it was the introduction of genetics, breeding and the early days of digital record-keeping. For Agueda, the challenge is navigating a landscape defined by environmental regulation and the urgent need for resource efficiency.

“Sustainability has always been there,” he explains. “A farmer has always left the land better than when they inherited it. It’s just that each generation adapts differently. Mine is focused on environmental sustainability — removing nitrogen and carbon and protecting our water.”

While many California dairies are looking toward methane digesters to meet state mandates, Agueda’s family found themselves drawn to something different. They wanted a system that mimicked God’s creation — something simple, effective and low maintenance.

(Photo provided by Alberto Dairy )

The Power of the BioFiltro

The solution came through a partnership with Nestlé: the BioFiltro system. It is a vermifiltration (worm-based) system that manages gallons of water every single day.

The concept is deceptively simple. Manure from the flush lanes is separated into solids and liquids. The liquids are then sprinkled over massive “worm beds” covering nearly 8 acres. As the water percolates through the beds, millions of worms and specialized microbes go to work, consuming the carbon and nitrogen. In about four hours, the water emerges on the other side, stripped of its contaminants and ready to be recycled.

Agueda recalls the light bulb moment when he visited a similar system in Washington State.

“The owner had a bucket of manure water from before the system and a bucket from after. He held the ‘after’ bucket up, and you couldn’t smell a thing,” he says. “It looked like clean water. If it were slightly clearer, you’d think you could drink it.”

For Alberto Dairy, the BioFiltro wasn’t just an environmental win; it was an operational one. Mechanical systems are expensive and prone to breaking down. The worm beds, however, are gravity-fed and require minimal energy.

“We liked the simplicity,” Agueda says. “In 25 years, who knows what digester technology will look like. But this? This is just natural filtration.”

(Photo provided by Alberto Dairy)

Better for the Land, Better for the Cow

The benefits of the system have rippled through every aspect of the farm. The treated water, now low in the sludge that used to clog irrigation valves, is used to fertilize crops more efficiently. But a surprising benefit was found in the barns.

“Our mastitis cases have gone down significantly,” Agueda notes. “Because the water we use to flush the lanes is so much cleaner and has less bacteria, the cows are healthier. That’s an economic benefit because medicine is expensive, but more importantly, it’s about animal comfort. A cow that isn’t sick is a cow that’s out in the stalls enjoying herself.”

This focus on cow comfort is a hallmark of the modern Alberto Dairy. From mattresses and fans to a specialized nutritionists and regular hoof trimming, the technology on the farm serves one purpose: making sure the animals are thriving.

(Photo provided by Alberto Dairy )

Future-Proofing the Central Valley

The regulatory environment in California is notoriously difficult. Between the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and strict methane reduction mandates, many farmers are choosing to leave the state.

By implementing the BioFiltro system, Agueda is proactively addressing the concerns of regulators and consumers alike. The system provides precise data on water usage and carbon reduction, which is used for carbon credit verification.

“It shows the public that dairies are the solution, not the problem,” Agueda asserts. “We aren’t just farming for regulators; we’re farming for the future.”

Alberto and Agueda Family: (Back row left to right) Aidan Alberto, Khloe Alberto, Kristen Alberto, Brian Alberto, Diane Agueda, Tony Agueda, Anthony Agueda, Megan Agueda, Lillian Agueda (Front row left to right) Maria Alberto, Antonio Alberto, Nathan Agueda

(Photo provided by Alberto Dairy )

The American Dream, Realized

As Agueda prepares for his upcoming marriage and looks toward raising a fourth generation on the farm, the weight of the legacy feels less like a burden and more like a gift. He uses his agricultural business degree from Fresno State to handle the bookkeeping that once burdened his grandmother, while still spending his days in the sun, vaccinating calves and helping to manage the herd.

If you asked his grandfather 40 years ago if he would one day be farming millions of worms to protect the atmosphere, he would have laughed. But today, as Antonio looks out over the fields he built from nothing, he sees a grandson who hasn’t forgotten the value of a day’s work.

“They truly achieved the American Dream,” Agueda says of his grandparents. “They started from the bottom, built a business and now they get to see it evolve. They’re proud because they know the land will be here for their great-grandchildren.”

In the end, the story of Anthony Agueda and Alberto Dairy is a reminder that the most profound innovations aren’t always found in a computer chip. Sometimes, they are found in the soil, in the tireless work of a million worms and in the enduring strength of a family that refuses to let their dream die.

Meet the Texas Powerhouse Serving Dairy, Dad Jokes and Outfits

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:59:43 GMT

In the world of Texas dairy farming, names usually carry weight. They represent generations of land, thousands of head of cattle and a legacy of grit. But for Kyndra Brown, the name that sticks closest to home is “Peewee.”

It was a nickname given to her by her father because she was born the smallest and youngest of four daughters. To a stranger, the name might imply someone who stands on the sidelines. But to anyone who has seen Brown navigate a muddy pen in fashionable boots or manage a complex digital health suite for her herd, the name is a badge of irony. Brown is a passionate, witty powerhouse, and she is exactly what the future of American dairy looks like.

(Images provided by Kyndra Brown)

The Girl Dad Legacy

Brown is a fourth-generation dairy farmer, but her path back to the family operation in Texas wasn’t a straight line. Growing up as one of four girls, she was immersed in a world where gender roles simply didn’t exist.

“My dad never pressured us,” Brown recalls. “He wanted us to make the choice to be here.”

That choice was framed by a powerful example set by her parents. In an industry that is often viewed as male-dominated, Brown’s father, Joe Schouten, was a girl dad decades before the term became a social media trend. When fellow dairymen would joke about his lack of sons to help with the heavy lifting, he had a standard, fiery response: “I’ve got four girls who can do exactly what your boys can do — but they look better doing it.”

Brown’s mother, Debbie, was equally influential. A woman who married into the dairy life without a farming background, she quickly became the heartbeat of the operation. Brown’s mother scraped stalls with one baby on her hip, proving the dairy doesn’t care about your title — it cares about the work.

(Photos provided by Kyndra Brown)

The Psychology of the Parlor

Like many farm kids, Brown hit a point in her late teens where she wondered if there was more to life than the 2:00 AM alarm and the constant smell of silage. She left the farm to study psychology, fascinated by human behavior and emotion. For two years, she immersed herself in the “why” of people.

But the call of the land is a physical one.

“I went back to what I know,” she says. “And it was the family dairy.”

For eight years straight after school, Brown didn’t just manage; she labored. She milked, she pushed cows and she cleaned pens. In an era where people struggle to hit 10,000 steps a day, Brown was regularly clocking 22,000 steps before lunch. That season of physical intensity was her true education. It gave her the boots on the ground perspective no textbook could provide.

Today, that background in psychology serves her in ways she never expected. Whether she’s managing employees, navigating family dynamics or communicating with concerned consumers on social media, she understands the human element behind the milk check.

This unique blend of mental insight and physical endurance has shaped her philosophy on the industry: resilience is more than a trait — it’s a prerequisite for growth. Brown has learned the dairy industry’s most valuable lessons are often disguised as failures, turning every challenge into a stepping stone for refinement. By embracing the struggle rather than fearing it, she maintains a competitive edge that keeps her operation moving forward. As she puts it, “Setbacks only exist to move you further than the next person who is trying less.”

(Images provided by Kyndra Brown)

Old School Grit Meets New School Tech

The Moo View Dairy operation in Dublin, Texas, is currently a fascinating study in the dairy margin revolution, so to speak. Brown sits at the intersection of her father’s old school wisdom and the industry’s technological future.

Her father still operates with a pen and a notebook.

“Actually, hundreds of them,” Brown shares, noting he has a paper record of every cow, every calf and every health event stretching back 30 years. “‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is his mantra.”

Brown respects that history, but as an elite operator, she knows data is the key to the modern margin. She has introduced activity monitoring systems like CowManager tags.

“Technology is a great side kick,” Brown explains. “It fills the gaps. It tells me if a cow’s temperature is rising before I can see it with my own eyes.”

She also adds she will never overlook boots-on-the-ground value.

“I want to see it, smell it and hear it for myself,” she says.

(Images provided by Kyndra Brown)

Starbucks Partnership & Sustainability

This commitment to the future recently led Moo View Dairy into a high-level sustainability partnership with Starbucks. By prioritizing cow comfort and resource recycling — specifically repurposing lagoon water for flush systems and manure for crop nutrients — Brown is ensuring the operation remains as efficient as it is productive.

In May 2025, the farm qualified for tier two of the Starbucks Sustainable Dairy Program. This achievement unlocked a cost-share initiative currently being used to install advanced sand and manure separators. Slated to be fully operational by September, these systems represent a significant leap in waste management. The project will allow the dairy to recycle all sand used for cow bedding and modernize their recycled water flush system for cleaning freestalls and pens, creating a closed-loop system that bolsters both the environment and the bottom line.

(Images provided by Kyndra Brown)

Fashionable in Manure:

Perhaps Brown’s most visible impact is through her social media presence and her seat on the Dairy MAX board. She is intentionally “fashionable in manure,” a phrase that sounds like a joke but carries a serious message.

“I get comments all the time underestimating me because of my outfit,” she says with a laugh. “Since when does an outfit determine my capability to show up?”

By documenting her life on YouTube and Instagram, Brown is bridging the gap between grocery store and the dairy farm, or ‘teat to table’ as she likes to call it. She shows the 2:00 a.m. wake-up calls, the extensive labor that goes into cow care and the sophisticated science of milk production. With her approach to providing education and entertainment, she isn’t trying to sell a product; she’s trying to enlighten a consumer base that has become disconnected from its food source.

Her message to the next generation of women in agriculture is simple: “When in doubt, lead.”

“If you have an opportunity for experience, take it. If you have a question, ask it. It’s not a competition,” she says. “It’s teamwork for humanity to help feed the world. There are plenty of things we have to do alone in life; learning from each other in the world of agriculture shouldn’t be one of them.”

(Images provided by Kyndra Brown)

Full-Circle Life Moment

Now in her early 30s, with a husband, Cody, who has since joined the family dairy operation, and their four-year-old son, Brown’s life has come full circle.

“It’s a lifestyle you have to see to appreciate,” she says. “It’s hard to express that to people who just see it as a job. For us, it’s a partnership between the animals and the land.”

Kyndra Brown may always be “Peewee” to her father, but she has firmly established herself as a female dairy farmer who has made a name for herself on her own terms. She serves as a living reminder that the “Made in the USA” label is far more than a geographic marker; it is a testament to the people who possess the courage to evolve, the grit to work and the unique style to make the hardest days look effortless. By blending her family’s deep-rooted legacy with a modern, innovative vision, she isn’t just maintaining a dairy — she is building a durable future for the next generation.

A New Era for Michigan Dairy: Chobani’s $567 Million Bet on La Colombe

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:23:51 GMT

In the heart of west Michigan, a transformation is brewing. It is a story of coffee and cream, but more importantly, it is a story of economic resurgence and a deepening commitment to the U.S. dairy farmer. Chobani, the company that revolutionized the yogurt aisle, is now setting its sights on the rapidly evolving ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market with a massive $567 million expansion of its La Colombe facility in Norton Shores, Mich.

This announcement does not exist in a vacuum. It is the third act in a high-stakes play of capital investment that has seen Chobani pour billions into the U.S. dairy manufacturing landscape. Just one year ago, the company announced a $500 million expansion of its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant. Months later, it broke ground on a staggering $1.2 billion facility in Rome, N.Y. Now, Michigan takes center stage, signaling Chobani’s acquisition of La Colombe in December 2023 for $900 million was not just a brand purchase — it was the catalyst for a total category disruption.

The Scale of the Ambition

The Norton Shores expansion is a multi-phase project designed to meet a surging demand that shows no signs of slowing. The project will add more than 200,000 sq. ft. of production space, effectively doubling the facility’s footprint. However, the true impact is measured in people and product.

Currently, the facility employs 312 workers. This expansion is expected to add approximately 340 new positions, nearly doubling the local workforce. For the community of Norton Shores and the broader west Michigan region, these aren’t just statistics; they are good-paying jobs that provide a pathway to the middle class, supported by Chobani’s industry-leading wages and benefits.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer noted the significance of the move.

“It shows the world that Michigan is the best place to grow stuff and build a thriving agricultural economy,” she says. “From the dairy farm to the production floor and the shelves of our grocery stores, let’s keep working together to help more workers, businesses and families ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

A Watershed Moment for Michigan Dairy

While the construction and job numbers are impressive, the most significant figure for the agricultural community is $615 million.

Before this expansion, the Norton Shores facility used approximately 30 million lb. of milk annually to produce La Colombe’s signature RTD lattes. As the new production lines come online, that number is projected to skyrocket to 615 million lb. of milk per year. This represents a twenty-fold increase in demand for local Michigan dairy.

This surge in demand is met by a state that is already a heavyweight in the industry. Michigan is home to more than 900 permitted dairy farms that collectively produce approximately 12 billion lb. of milk annually. Perhaps most impressively, Michigan ranks first in the nation for milk production per cow, with each animal producing an average of more than 27,000 lb. of milk per year. By expanding in Norton Shores, Chobani is tapping into the most efficient dairy infrastructure in the United States.

For Michigan’s dairy farmers, this is a generational win. In an era where market volatility can often cloud the future of family farms, Chobani is providing a massive, stable and growing outlet for their product.

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, has long championed this connection between the factory and the farm.

“There’s something special here — in the hardworking spirit of the people, in the pride of Michigan’s farmers who produce high quality, delicious, farm-fresh milk,” Ulukaya says. “For us, growth is about more than numbers — it’s about supporting the community, creating opportunity and building something that lasts.”

From Philadelphia Roots to Michigan Manufacturing

The journey of La Colombe is a classic American success story. Founded in Philadelphia in 1994 as a high-end café experience, the brand spent decades perfecting the art of the roast. In 2016, they made a pivotal move into the RTD category, attempting to bring the coffeehouse experience to a portable format.

By using cleaner ingredients, less sugar and better nutrition than the legacy players in the space, La Colombe redefined what canned coffee could be. When Chobani acquired the brand, they saw a mirror of their own history: a disruptor focused on quality and accessibility. By integrating La Colombe into the Chobani ecosystem, the company is now leveraging its massive supply chain expertise to ensure a latte made with Michigan milk can be found in every corner of the country.

Purpose-Driven Expansion

Beyond the stainless-steel tanks and the logistics of milk shipments, Chobani is positioning this expansion as a force for good. The company has a long-standing reputation for putting humanity first, a philosophy that stems from Ulukaya’s own journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur.

In Norton Shores, this means doubling down on workforce development programs, partnerships with local schools and grants aimed at food access. The company views the facility not as an island, but as a part of the neighborhood. This people-first approach is intended to ensure as the company grows, the community does not get left behind.

As the 2025 groundbreaking in Rome, N.Y., and the ongoing work in Idaho and Michigan illustrate Chobani is no longer just a yogurt company. It is a diversified food and wellness powerhouse. With the recent acquisition of Daily Harvest and the continued scaling of the La Colombe brand, Chobani is building a vertically integrated empire that starts at the farm gate and ends in the consumer’s hand.

The $567 million investment in Norton Shores is a clear signal: the future of coffee is white, creamy and sourced directly from the dairy heartland of Michigan.

The Beef-on-Dairy Revolution: How Black Calves and AI are Reshaping the Dairy P&L

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:22:27 GMT

The dairy industry is currently undergoing a structural transformation. What was once a singular focus on milk production has evolved into a multi-faceted agribusiness model. As Kansas dairy producer Greg Bethard puts it: “We might be more ranchers than we are dairymen now, because the uterus has more value than the mammary gland.”

The Beef-on-Dairy Revolution

The most significant shift in recent years is the black calf phenomenon. With beef prices at historic highs, the revenue generated from crossbreeding dairy cows with high-quality beef genetics has upended the traditional P&L.

“We have cows spitting out $1,400 calves now,” Bethard says. “It has changed the math for the entire operation.”

This new revenue stream provides a buffer that allows dairies to remain profitable even when milk prices are disappointing. Idaho dairy producer Hank Hafliger has embraced this by breeding a large percentage of his herd to Angus crosses, while TJ Tuls of Tuls Dairy in Nebraska, has vertically integrated by raising his own steers to 680 lb. before selling them, capturing more of the value chain.

“Angus breed on our pro-cross cow yields have been really good,” Tuls notes. “We’re producing an amazing calf, and it’s definitely been a nice injection [into the operation].”

Technology as a Management Tool

While the AI buzzword is everywhere, these producers are selective about which technologies they adopt. For Bethard, three must-haves for managing large groups are sort gates, activity collars and milk meters.

“I would never want to build a dairy without those three,” he says.

Tuls is pushing the boundaries further by testing AI-driven cameras to monitor employee performance, animal movement and milking procedures. The goal isn’t just to watch people, but to ensure that the dairy’s specific protocols are being followed consistently, which protects both animal welfare and milk quality.

“At the end of the day, though, it’s feeding you data back, and it’s what you do with that information. Having really good people who go out and act on the data that it’s giving you back really makes a difference.”

TJ Tuls

Vertical Integration and Sustainability

Diversification is the key to long-term resilience. Tuls has aggressively pursued vertical integration, building a trucking company and, most recently, a milk processing plant.

“We’re looking at how we can serve our own businesses,” Tuls says.

This includes a high-protein, low-sugar milk product that is already expanding across the Midwest and West Coast.

Sustainability has also become a revenue center rather than a cost. Tuls’ digester projects now produce enough gas to heat 6,000 houses per year. In Idaho, Hafliger is focusing on innovative manure management, working with scientists to extract micronutrients from manure to create new value-added products.

“In Idaho, manure management is going to be huge. We’re doing a lot of innovative studies, pulling out micronutrients out of our manure and utilizing it. That’s what we really need to focus on,” Hafliger shares.

The Water Constraint

Perhaps the most sobering topic during Milk Business Conference panel was the future of water. In Idaho, Hafliger notes that “water is king,” with every well metered and allocations strictly controlled by the state. Bethard, operating in the High Plains of Kansas, is already strategizing for a future with less water by transitioning his crop rotation toward wheat and soy, which requires fewer inputs than corn silage.

“We have to make sure that 30 years from now, we can still milk cows where we are,” Bethard says.

This long-term thinking — balancing immediate revenue from black calves with the existential reality of resource management — is what separates the top-performing producers from the rest of the field.

The modern dairy is no longer a single-commodity enterprise; it is a complex ecosystem of logistics, genetics and resource stewardship. By leveraging immediate windfalls like the beef-on-dairy market to fund long-term investments in technology and vertical integration, producers like Bethard, Tuls and Hafliger are doing more than just chasing margins — they are future-proofing their legacies. In an industry where water is becoming as precious as milk and data is as vital as feed, the successful producer of 2026 and beyond will be the one who balances today’s black calf revenue with the existential necessity of long-term resource management.

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General Guidelines for Winter Manure Applications

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:56:56 GMT

Winter weather arrived early here in the Midwest. Not only did it start early, but we also experienced large fluctuations in temperature and conditions. We saw subzero temperatures and accumulating snow before Thanksgiving, then temperatures in the 60s the week of Christmas. Winter weather can make manure applications very tricky. Each state and local government has regulations for winter manure application. General guidelines can help prevent runoff and nutrient loss, and protect water sources.

Create a Buffer

Most regulations on manure application aim to protect natural water sources. One simple way to help prevent runoff into streams, rivers, and lakes is to create barriers. Maintaining a buffer around surface water, tile inlets, and waterways has been shown to significantly reduce runoff. Research indicates that a 200-foot buffer can decrease nutrient runoff by 80% to 90%. Overall, runoff volume can be reduced by 35% to 90%.

Consider Crop or Residue Cover

Spreading on bare ground can lead to increased runoff. Using crop cover, either with cover crops or crop residue from fall harvest, can significantly reduce runoff. Crop residues or the presence of cover crops as the surface begins to thaw give manure nutrients something to adhere to. Research shows that cover crops can reduce runoff by 40% to 100%, depending on field, crop, and environmental conditions. Fields with less than 25% crop residue tend to have a higher risk of runoff. Low-yielding soybeans and fields used for corn silage often have less than 25% crop cover during winter months. Spreading on fields with cover crops, hay, or pastures would allow for more nutrient absorption.

Make Good Land Choices

Two major factors of land can significantly influence runoff and nutrient loss. The first is the slope of the ground. Avoid applying manure where the ground slopes exceed 15%. Slopes of less than 5% are ideal. The second consideration should be soil type and water-holding capacity. Soil with higher water-holding capacity will result in less runoff. Fine sandy, silty clay, and silt loam soils tend to have the best water retention.

Check the Forecast

If spreading on snow-covered or frozen ground is necessary, be aware of how weather impacts nutrient absorption. Avoid spreading manure before snowmelt or rainfall. Adding moisture to frozen ground will increase nutrient loss. The rate of snowmelt should also be considered. Slower snowmelts allow for increased soil absorption of manure nutrients. Therefore, checking future temperature and weather conditions is important to prevent runoff.

Winter manure spreading is often not recommended because it can lead to higher nutrient losses and harm water quality. Some states have even banned winter spreading. However, if storage capacity is limited and manure spreading is necessary, the guidelines above can help reduce nutrient loss.

Innovation in Every Drop: Apple Shamrock Farms Crowned 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:55:28 GMT

In the heart of Northwest Pennsylvania lies an exemplary model of dairy innovation: Apple Shamrock Farms, LLC. With their recent accolade of being named the 2026 International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award winner, the Waddell family showcases what it truly means to be modern dairy producers.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Founded in 1976 by Robert and Lorna Waddell, alongside their son Robert J., Apple Shamrock Dairy continues its legacy today under the leadership of seventh-generation farmer Josh Waddell. The dairy remains a true family affair, with Josh’s brother, Joe, as a farm partner (primarily working off-farm), his mother, Christine, managing the books, and his father, Robert J., overseeing the milk hauling side of the business.

Apple Shamrock Farms LLC exemplifies a holistic approach to innovation, integrating advanced solutions across every facet of their expansive 3,500-acre operation, which supports a 1,250-cow milking herd producing an impressive 38 million pounds of milk annually.

“There’s a lot of unique things that I think we do well, but cows are No. 1 around here. That’s what we built our business on and has allowed us to do what we’ve done,” Josh Waddell says. “We are truly honored to receive this recognition.”

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Maximizing Herd Potential Through Data and Genetics
At the core of Apple Shamrock Farms’ operations in Townville, Pa., is their sophisticated approach to dairy management, primarily driven by data and genetics. The Waddells implement a high-tech Afimilk cow monitoring system that delivers comprehensive data analytics, allowing for precise adjustments in cow care and feeding. This meticulous approach is supported by strategic feed tracking software, which ensures optimal component levels in milk production. This all has helped Apple Shamrock consistently achieve high component levels with 94 lb. of milk, with a 4.35% butterfat, and 3.35% protein, respectively. This translates to 109.8 lb. of energy corrected milk.

“The scale of the business we are in, we need the high output from the cows,” Waddell says.

Beyond daily management, Apple Shamrock Farms is a pioneer in genetic advancement. Through the strategic use of IVF and genomics, they are actively shaping their herd’s future, selecting embryos from their highest-producing, functional cows to enhance genetics and improve herd longevity. This forward-thinking approach ensures they are milking the right cows and maximizing the potential of every animal, even with a significant percentage of 2-year-olds in the herd.

Apple Shamrock has sold a lot of replacement heifers over the years, and Waddell notes the buyers want genomics, but they don’t want to “buy a dented Mustang.”

Their commitment to excellence extends beyond sound genetics to meticulous transition and calving pen all-in, all-out management and with a constant focus on raising the best, healthiest calves they can.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Pioneering Environmental Stewardship and Resource Optimization
Innovation at Apple Shamrock Farms isn’t confined to the barn; it extends to robust environmental stewardship. The Waddells have implemented a comprehensive three-cell manure system with a low-maintenance sand separation system. This not only allows them to reclaim sand for bedding but also significantly enhances the potency of their liquid fertilizer. Critically, all liquid manure is injected directly into the ground, a practice that maximizes crop yields while drastically limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and preventing runoff.

Apple Shamrock effectively separates sand by mixing two gallons of “tea water” (thinner manure from cell three) with one gallon of sand-laden manure, then employing a large dewatering screen and stacking conveyors to create 35'-high sand piles for reuse after eight months.

“This innovative sand removal process has significantly improved our overall hauling efficiency by 20% to 25% and generated substantial savings on spreading equipment, enough to justify the sand lane’s cost even without sand reuse,” Waddell says.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

Despite the system being designed for 1,200 cows and currently handling more, leading to some water quality challenges, Waddell says the farm prioritizes a straightforward approach, avoiding complex mechanical separation buildings and planning to expand storage to meet current herd needs.

Their commitment to sustainability is further evident in their extensive satellite cropping operation, encompassing 565 acres of corn and soybeans. At the satellite cropping operation and the home operation, guidance systems and precision planters are used. These practices collectively contribute to energy efficiencies and a notable reduction in GHG emissions, demonstrating a profound dedication to both economic and environmental sustainability.

“I used to call it the four-leaf clover, but our approach to sustainability is really a full circle,” Waddell explains.

A Model for Future Challenges and Industry Leadership
Apple Shamrock Farms is strategically positioned to meet future economic and sustainability challenges head-on. Their philosophy of “structured growth” focuses on maximizing performance and efficiency, driving high output while achieving significant labor savings. By coupling genetic potential with cow comfort, they aim for a more mature, resilient herd, ensuring long-term viability.

“Looking ahead, we first plan to optimize our dairy by first filling the remaining 200 to 400 cow capacity in their parlor to improve cash flow,” Waddell explains, noting a core focus for the next decade is eliminating “Josh spots,” inefficient areas requiring daily attention, and consolidating their dry cow, prefresh and calf operations into a single, highly efficient complex where specialized labor can focus.

Beyond their farm gates, the Waddells are recognized leaders.

“They are truly a testament to what can happen when innovation and creativity meet a strong work ethic and desire to progress,” says Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, in a nomination letter supporting Apple Shamrock.

(Apple Shamrock Farms)

The Waddell family actively participates in benchmarking groups, shares insights with peers and holds numerous leadership roles across the dairy industry and within their local community. Whether housing “foster cows” for a neighboring farm after a devastating fire or hosting school tours, their spirit of cooperation and advocacy for the dairy industry is unwavering.

“This spirit of support in times of crisis is what makes our agriculture industry great, the Waddells are a standout example,” Redding says.

Apple Shamrock Farms embodies what’s achievable when innovation converges with tradition and tenacity. As a paragon of modern dairy farming, they set a dynamic example for the future, proving hard work and creative solutions can propel the industry forward.

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These Modern Dairies are Skillfully Dialing in Efficiency to Help Sustain the Family Farm

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:48:23 GMT

In today’s world, efficiency is key, and no one understands this better than dairy farmers. These custodians of the land have mastered the art of doing more with less, skillfully balancing tradition with innovation to sustain their farms and benefit the environment.

Joanna Shipp: Maximize Resources on the Farm
Joanna Shipp, a seventh-generation dairy farmer from Virginia, exemplifies the modern approach to dairy farming. With Bowmont Dairy under her management, Shipp uses advanced cow genetics and focuses on animal comfort to maximize milk production from her 225 cows on a sprawling 1,000-acre farm.

“We had to focus on cow comfort and throughput to increase milk production,” she says, attributing her success to transformational advancements that turned her cows into high-performing athletes. This focus on efficiency allows her to optimize milk yield and farm productivity without increasing her livestock numbers.

Adam Graft: Enhance Environmental Benefits
Adam Graft, who owns and operates Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC in Georgia, takes pride in the environmental advantages that come from boosting milk production per cow. With years of experience as a veterinarian on large dairies in central California, Graft understands the necessity of efficiency in agricultural practices.

“Higher producing cows are better environmentally,” he explains, noting how they conserve resources by delivering more milk with fewer cows. Reducing environmental stressors like heat and humidity ensure optimal conditions for production, showcasing how dairy farms can balance productivity with ecological responsibility.

Katy Schultz: Sustainable Crop Management
In Wisconsin, Katy Schultz has returned to her roots at Tri-Fecta Farms Inc., a family-run dairy farm supporting 400 cows. After gaining industry experience elsewhere, she now works alongside her siblings to enhance farm operations. Schultz underscores the importance of cultivating healthy crops to feed their livestock efficiently, thereby reducing the land required for feeding from 50% to 36%. Through strategic resource management and a commitment to holistic health — from soil to animal to environment — Schultz’s farm is thriving sustainably and profitably.

“Growing healthy crops to feed to our healthy animals has been key on our farm,” Schultz says.

Jim Werkhoven: Pioneer Energy Innovation
Near Seattle, Wash., Jim Werkhoven of Werkhoven Dairy is harnessing energy innovation as a cornerstone of sustainability. His farm collaborates within the Sno/Sky Ag Alliance to operate an anaerobic digester that coprocesses cow manure with preconsumer food waste.

“Capturing methane is proving to be potentially more profitable than milk,” Werkhoven reveals, emphasizing this technology’s role in both environmental preservation and economic sustainability. His partnerships with local Native American tribes and conservation groups highlight the vital role of community collaboration in advancing sustainable agriculture.

These stories from farmers like Shipp, Graft, Schultz and Werkhoven illustrate the transformative power of innovation, collaboration and resource management in modern dairy farming. Their commitment to enhancing efficiency and sustainability offers a promising blueprint for the future of agriculture.

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From Pasture to Milk: The Inspiring Journey of an Irish Dairy Farmer

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:30:00 GMT

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, the quest for farm profitability remains constant, regardless of geographical location. For Brian Rushe, a dairy farmer from Ireland, this pursuit is not just about numbers on a ledger; it is the foundation upon which sustainability and longevity are built.

Rushe’s farm is nestled in the luscious countryside of County Kildare, Ireland, a vibrant testament to change, resilience and foresight. The year 2015 marked the beginning of a journey for Rushe and his family, as they transitioned from a long-standing beef and crop operation to dairying. This shift was not a rash decision but a well-considered pivot, recognizing their greatest potential for profitability and optimal land use.

The Shift to Dairy Farming
Before delving into the dairy sector, the Rushe family had been successfully managing a beef and crop farm. However, when evaluating their options for future growth and sustainability, the shift toward dairying became apparent. Rushe explains the decision was partly influenced by their location and land characteristics, ensuring a more promising avenue for their agricultural endeavors.

In Ireland, the topic of quotas is a common discussion among dairy farmers. Rushe mentions even if a producer exceeded their quota, if the processor was under, the balance was maintained. This outlook provided a more flexible approach toward managing dairy production levels.

Rushe’s dairying venture actually began on a neighboring farm in 2013. This farm provided a significant block of land, which allowed him to quickly increase cow numbers.
Brian recalls, “It was a drier farm, as well,” alluding to how drier land is advantageous to get cows to grass quicker, ultimately boosting per-cow income, in a primarily pasture-based system.

As the family eased into dairying, they maintained their beef and tillage operations for a while. However, it soon became evident a tough business decision was necessary. Rushe and his father decided to sell some of their land as the workload of managing both operations became too cumbersome.

“We were not going to continue with the crops because the workload was actually getting too hard,” Rushe shares.

Intensive Grazing Strategy
The Rushe family grazes their dairy cows for nine months each year. Despite the demanding nature of these months, they prefer this schedule over year-round crop management.

By 2020, the Rushe family decided to expand further by building a second dairy. Through fortunate timing and planning, they avoided the supply chain issues many faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, they successfully milk 350 cows across two dairies.

Their cows go dry from mid-December to early January. On their second farm, calving starts in February, but at the home farm, it begins in March, attributed to different levels of soil dryness. Capitalizing on their grazing ability and sensor collars, the farm uses New Zealand genetics and crossbred cows.

Challenges and Opportunities for Irish Dairies
Rushe highlights several challenges dairies in Ireland face, including who will represent the next generation of farmers. With fewer individuals willing to run dairy farms, Rushe says some young people have moved to New Zealand or the U.S. However, the slow pace of life in Ireland is appealing for retaining labor from other countries, and the Rushe farm employs staff from the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

The Irish dairy farmer shares the removal of quotas in 2015 was a relief for producers, including himself.

“For the first time, farmers could see opportunities and grow their herds,” he says.

Manure management regulations impose challenges, with stocking rates limited by nitrogen limits per hectare. If exceeded, Irish producers must apply for a derogation program, taking further environmental protection steps. Rushe explains losing the derogation could impact the number of cows they keep.

Despite this challenge, Rushe believes Irish farmers are invested in their dairy future, with 16,000 dairies in operation and the majority of milk going into powder production.

“I would have said three years ago the limit on growing dairy was going to be a process of capacity because we’ve peaked,” he says. “The processing capacity has gone the other way now because milk production has declined.”

Rushes shares processors worry if farmers lose the derogation their milk supply will further drop, and the co-op will become less efficient.

“This will impact the co-ops’ ability to pay a good milk price,” he says.

Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Rushe shares his wife, Rebecca, is a nurse and their two children, Rhys, 13 and Reese, 9, are too young to know what the future holds. Although he notes that his son shows interest in the farming operation.

“I hope he gets an education,” he shares, and gets the chance to travel to other operations to learn from their mistakes and see what opportunities have worked for them before returning to the family operation.

“Everybody does things a little differently and sometimes by seeing other farms, you can find something that will work for you,” he says.

Rushe says the one thing he has been the most impressed when visiting U.S. dairy farms is their attention to detail.

“Attention to detail pays and their views on pinpointing what is causing problems is pretty amazing,” he says. “Even on some big, complex dairies, they simplify it at a personal level.”

Through strategic transformation and expansion, the Rushe family illustrates the evolving nature of family farming in Ireland. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern dairying, their journey offers insights and lessons for farmers not only in Ireland, but worldwide.

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One of America’s Largest Dairy RNG Projects Begins Delivering Fuel to the Pipeline

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:22:58 GMT

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has brought its newest renewable natural gas (RNG) project online at South Fork Dairy in Dimmitt, Texas, marking a major addition to the nation’s RNG supply. The company confirmed the facility is now producing pipeline-quality gas and injecting it into the interstate natural gas system.

South Fork Dairy is home to 16,000 cows and now ranks among the country’s largest RNG sites. At full capacity, it will generate about 2.6 million gallons of RNG each year by processing up to 300,000 gallons of manure daily through four anaerobic digesters and advanced gas-cleaning technology.

Clean Energy fully financed the $85 million build, which broke ground in July 2024 and will receive all RNG produced at the site.

“The requirements to reach production and injecting milestones were extremely stringent, and we are incredibly proud of the team for getting our seventh RNG facility online, on time and on budget. It’s no small feat,” says Clay Corbus, SVP at Clean Energy. “The completion of the project at South Fork is particularly special because not only is it a major step forward in building our low-carbon RNG supply to ensure we have the volumes needed to meet the growing fleet demand, but we were able to work side-by-side with such a remarkable dairyman in Frank Brand.”

For South Fork Dairy owner Frank Brand, the project represents both environmental progress and operational efficiency.

“Partnering with Clean Energy to build an RNG facility on the dairy has been a success for us,” Brand says. “We’re processing our manure into useful bedding and producing clean, useful fuel for vehicles – it’s pretty amazing stuff. Being a part of something so circular that allows the dairy to reduce its emissions while providing an additional income stream is an added bonus.”

Construction on the site hit a major setback after a fire damaged the dairy last year, halting work on the digester complex. Brand’s team rebuilt the operation in parallel with Clean Energy, and both the dairy and the RNG plant are now fully restored.

The facility has cleared a key regulatory hurdle as well. Its RNG has received EPA approval to begin generating Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Clean Energy expects California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits to begin accruing in early 2026. The company already distributes RNG through a national network of more than 600 fueling stations.

T Diamond Bar and Montrose Environmental supported engineering and environmental work on the project.

Manure-based RNG is gaining traction as agriculture and transportation — sectors responsible for roughly 10% and 28% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, respectively — look for ways to cut climate impacts. Capturing methane from dairy manure prevents a potent greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere, and using that methane as fuel can achieve a negative carbon-intensity score, making it one of the lowest-carbon liquid or gaseous fuels available. It also typically costs less than diesel at the pump, adding economic appeal alongside environmental benefits.